MORE POSTS

New York Times: What’s Sellin’?

Travis Jonker, January 22, 2008 | News



I recently posted about what books were selling at the nations independent bookstores. Now for the other side of the coin. The New York Times Bestseller list gives another perspective on what books are inspiring people to say “I would like to own that”.  Excerpts from the most recent list appear below. (click on the […]

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Book Review: Oggie Cooder

Travis Jonker, January 21, 2008 | Reviews



Oggie Cooder By Sarah Weeks Scholastic Press ISBN 9780545078382 $16.99 Grades 3-5 In Stores February 1st, 2008 I have not always been a huge fan of the word “silly”. I guess it makes me feel kind of silly to say it. Until I started working in elementary schools a few years back, I tried not […]

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Independent Bookstores: What’s Sellin’?

Travis Jonker, January 21, 2008 | Articles



I’ve mentioned before that I work in a school library, not a bookstore. I know what students are checking out, but I’m not so sure about the books folks are actually buying these days. Sure, I have my opinions about what these books should be, but I always want to know what’s really moving units. […]

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5 Questions With Leslie Helakoski

Travis Jonker, January 20, 2008 | Authors



I’m thrilled to have the first 100 Scope Notes author interview with Leslie Helakoski, author of “Big Chickens” and “The Smushy Bus”. It’s been a busy January for Ms. Helakoski, as she will have two new books published this month, “Big Chickens Fly the Coop” and “Woolbur”. I caught up with Ms. Helakoski (before her […]

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Children’s Lit Free of Charge

Travis Jonker, January 20, 2008 | News



Looking for some good kidlit info, but don’t have a lot of scratch? The January Carnival of Children’s Literature is open for business, offering up knowledge for the low low price of free. This month, Wizards Wireless is hosting the festivities, which are all based on the theme of “award winners”. Click here to have […]

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Visit the Edge

Travis Jonker, January 20, 2008 | News



Don’t be shy about visiting The Edge of the Forest, the outstanding monthly online journal devoted to children’s lit. The January edition has just been posted, with articles, insights, and reviews. I even make an appearance, reviewing the picture book “Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly”. Click the banner below to take a look.

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Sunday Link Du Jour: January 20, 2008

Travis Jonker, January 19, 2008 | Link Du Jour



This week our Link Du Jour comes from overseas. Telegraph – “Britain’s no. 1 quality newspaper website” – published their list of 100 books every child should read. Split into three age groups, the list starts hitting the fundamentals early: your Sendak, your Seuss, your White. Yes, the classics are encouraged, with an expected slant […]

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This Just In: NPR Loves Books

Travis Jonker, January 17, 2008 | News



Does that include children’s lit? Best believe it. Click the logo below to listen to a very well done radio segment on the newly minted Newbery and Caldecott winners. I think The Today Show should take out their fancy pencils and start taking some notes on how to cover this sort of event. When you […]

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I Know Some Students…

Travis Jonker, January 17, 2008 | News



…who are going to be excited as all get out for this one. Here’s the word from Publishers Weekly: Knopf Books for Young Readers has revealed the name and cover of the third title in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance series. The book, called Brisingr, will have a first printing of 2.5 million, which is the largest […]

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Video Clip: Brian Selznick and Laura Amy Schlitz on The Today Show

Travis Jonker, January 15, 2008 | Articles



The Today Show posted their interview with Caldcott and Newbery winners Brian Selznick and Laura Amy Schlitz on their website today. It left me thinking: Man, Ann Curry could use some decaf. Click the logo below to watch the madness. UPDATE: Since this post, others have commented much more eloquently than I could have about […]

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