Future of Kids Books

Here's a link to a Washington Post article in which the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, series, Jeff Kinney says "I think a book still has a special kind of magic." I couldn't agree More Jeff.

It take heart that someone who has been so successful the blogosphere (Diary of a Wimpy Kid began as blog posts that now receive 70,000 hits a day) remains enamored with the written page. Interestingly, the series didn't appear as a book until after it's blog success and of course it has just been released as a movie.

When it comes to trying to predict the future of children's books, it seems to me, that if you give kids something they can relate to, they'll eat it up with a spoon, no matter what the format. Just keep that in mind all you kid's writers, illustrators and publishers out there.

Tips on getting boys to read

My friend Helaine Becker has posted a must read list of how to get boys to read on her blog. Check it out. Comic books and graphic stories will make great additions to her list of books about underwear, explosions and hockey. If in doubt, I'm sure your local kid's librarian will be more than happy help you gather boy-friendly books. While you're there, check out a few of Helaine's books. You won't regret it.

Sad news about Sid Fleischman

Sad news. Sid Fleischman, who has been ill for some time, passed away March 17 in his home. His humor has been a light in the life for so many young people. Although he was 90, he will still be missed. Here is a link to an article about one of children's literature's favorite sons.

BC BOOK PRIZE SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED

BC BOOK PRIZE shortlists were announced today:

Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize
- Counting on Hope by Sylvia Olsen, Sono Nis Press
- The Gryphon Project by Carrie Mac, Penguin Group Canada
- Inferno by Robin Stevenson, Orca Book Publishers
- Return to Bone Tree Hill by Kristin Butcher, Thistledown Press
- The Ship of Lost Souls by Rachelle Delaney, HarperTrophyCanada

Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
- Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Illustrated by Carolyn Conahan, Charlesbridge
- Ella’s Umbrellas by Jennifer Lloyd
Illustrated by Ashley Spires, Simply Read Books
- Maggie Can’t Wait by Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Dean Griffiths, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
- On My Walk by Kari-Lynn Winters
Illustrated by Christina Leist, Tradewind Books
- Vanishing Habitats by Robert Bateman,
Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Congratulations to everyone!

Bird in flight

If you're into kids' books, chances are you've read or at least heard of Besty Bird and her amazing blog, A Fuse #8 Production. Not only is Betsy prolific and quirky, she's usually right on in her reviews. As knowledgeable about kids' books as she is passionate, she's a shining light for readers, sifting through a sea of books and directing us toward the best. By day, Betsy is a librarian in New York City, but after hours she's all about her blog which she was enticed to move to the School Library Journal website a while back. Bird has been a juror for the Newbery Book Awards, tackled the issue of "review as promotion in disguise" in Amazon.com's "Vine Voices," and been involved in Blogger Awards. I'm pretty sure is a super duper speed-reader judging by the breadth of the books she can talk about intelligently. Not surprisingly, this one-woman wonder of kids' books has been flying under the radar for years. Now though, Bird is finally causing a flap outside the cosy world of children's books with the recent Forbes article. Check it out. Besty, you deserve these cu-does and more...

A great video created by Ocoee Middle School

I just came across this great video thanks to one of the blogs I follow. It's made by Ocoee Middle School in central Florida. One of these days I'll figure out how to upload a video, but in the meantime, check out Gotta Keep Reading on You Tube. While you're watching, see if you can spot any familiar book titles. I bet you can! And while you're at it, maybe you could be the mover and shaker behind your own school video. If you do, send the link along to me and I'll publicize it. Happy reading.