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A Banner Day

Travis Jonker, March 9, 2008 | News



Three completely unrelated items: 1. The City of Ember movie is coming out 10.10.08. How do I know? The movie poster was just released. Well, I’m not sure if you’d call it a poster or a banner – oh, why not just click below and decide for yourself. 2. “Choose Your Own Adventure” map-making. I […]

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Redcoat Candle Co., Sbarro, The Library

Travis Jonker, March 7, 2008 | Articles



What do these three have in common? You can visit them all during a trip to your local British shopping mall, of course. (sound of crickets) Well, you would if the British Minister of Culture has a say. Read about her ideas for updating the UK’s libraries at the London Times. I’m curious if pop […]

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Battle of the Books (Indie vs. NYT)

Travis Jonker, March 6, 2008 | News



During the month of March, two of the four elementary schools I work at hold Battle of the Books. Students work in teams and have a month to read 10 different books. When the month is over they go head to head with other teams in a winner take all trivia challenge. Inspired by my […]

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Quite a Title

Travis Jonker, March 5, 2008 | News



Issue numero uno of Notes from the Horn Book is now hitting inboxes. On top of having a great name, the monthly e-newsletter also has some great content to peruse. You’ve got your author interview with “Mr. NAYPL”, books to keep an eye out for, and even some children’s lit Q and A. Click the […]

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Audio Clip: Harriet the Spy on NPR

Travis Jonker, March 4, 2008 | Articles



Did you know “Harriet the Spy” was a controversial, culture-shifting force in the world of children’s lit? How about that “Harriet” was banned at some schools when it debuted in 1964? I was not aware. At least not until I listened to this clip from NPR’s Morning Edition Click the play button below to have […]

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Book Review: Amulet (Book #1 – The Stonekeeper)

Travis Jonker, March 3, 2008 | Reviews



Amulet (Book #1 – The Stonekeeper) By Kazu Kibuishi Graphix (Scholastic) ISBN 9780439846813 $9.99 Grades 5-7 In Stores I’m going to go ahead and say something that will not surprise you at all, so please don’t do a mocking spit-take with your morning coffee: graphic novels are unique. They have the ability to draw in […]

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Book Giveaway Winner!

Travis Jonker, March 3, 2008 | News



Well, the madness is over and the winner has been declared. Karin from good ol’ Minnesota is now the owner of “Canned” by Alex Shearer. Note to everyone who participated and didn’t win: with any luck we’ll be doing this whole giveaway thing again real soon-like.

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Wimpy Clip

Travis Jonker, March 3, 2008 | Articles



The outstanding children’s lit blog Literate Lives posted a video with author/illustrator Jeff Kinney. The first half is interview, the second half is presentation. In fact, Mr. Kinney turns the in-store presentation on its head with a game of Wimpy Kid Jeopardy. My favorite part? The whole thing is filmed right here in the Great […]

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Bono, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, The Edge (of the Forest)

Travis Jonker, March 1, 2008 | News



Enjoyers of children’s lit: The February Edition of The Edge of the Forest is now available. The monthly online journal contains features and reviews for the kidlit enthusiast. I especially liked the interview with outstanding author/illustrator Eric Rohmann. Be sure to check out my reviews of the latest Alex Rider book – “Snakehead” by Anthony […]

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100 Scope Notes Giveaway: February ’08

Travis Jonker, February 29, 2008 | News



Just like the McRib sandwich, I like to periodically appear to deliver the saucy goods. I don’t think a book has ever been classified as “saucy goods”, but I’m going with it anyway. This book giving away thing is not an original idea of mine, and in the spirit of giving credit where credit is […]

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