Today marks the beginning of Children’s Book Week (CBW) 2009, an annual celebration of books and reading 
since 1919, hosted by the Children’s Book Council.
With events taking place in New York, Chicago, Boston and Seattle, Children’s Book Week is dedicated to making every child a reader. And, what better way to promote reading than to provide children with the ability to tell us what authors and books deserve praise?
On May 13th the Children’s Book Council will announce the winners of this year’s Children’s Choice Book Awards, which tallied 220,000 votes from kids nationwide! In the meantime, be sure to visit the Children’s Book Week Web site to order your 2009 CBW poster, illustrated by artist Ian Falconer and featuring Olivia. You can also download this year’s official CBW bookmark, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino.
Children’s Book Week provides children with a voice and adults with a way to dive back into their imagination. That’s right, not only are there events for children and teens, such as author signings and storytelling, but teachers, librarians, booksellers and publishers can also help and enjoy this year’s Children’s Book Week.
Find out more and what you can do for Children’s Book Week 2009 online and happy reading!
LadyStar™ Call of the Huntress is Copyright © 2007 Heavy Cat Multimedia Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Read Part One
Read Part Two
Read Part Three
Reina picked her way down the wooden stairs outside the Inn. It was approaching late evening, but the bustle of the marketplace continued by the light of dozens of lanterns, torches and the occasional roasting fire. The boy she had encountered before dinner was still waiting outside expectantly.
“A lily for the madam? A lily for the madam?” the boy said enthusiastically. Reina stopped and looked down at him. He seemed completely undaunted by her dark robes or cowl. He was filthy, but had managed to wash some of the accumulated grime from his face.
Orphaned, no home, and selling stolen lilies, Reina concluded without speaking. A guard pushed past two large inebriated stablehands and waved his hands at the boy, who cowered.
“That will be your last warning!” the guard shouted, then froze at the sight of the Vicereine. The officer lowered his hands almost in a gesture of surrender. Reina stood regally and looked the guard over once, fixing on his boots. She picked up her staff as an old woman might pick up a broom, reached out with its tip and tapped his right boot a few times as if testing a loose floorboard.
“The Captain will be most unhappy to find his men wearing second-hand boots,” Reina said, tilting her head sarcastically as if trying to get a better look at a confusing object. “I’ve heard tales of boots that look exactly like a Square Guard’s for sale in the curio shop.”
“Handsome replicas, madam,” the guard replied, then swallowed nervously. Reina looked up. One corner of the guard’s mouth rose sheepishly.
“Indeed,” Reina said, drawing the word out. The guard could not see her raised eyebrow.
“What is your price for this lily?” Reina turned back to the boy and indicated the flower at one edge of his wooden box.
“Three cruss rings,” the boy replied, his voice shaky as he glanced at the guard.
“Three? My boy, this lily.” Reina leaned down and pointed with emphasis. “This light-colored lily right here was but two rings before dinner. Have lilies become so rare between appetizer and dessert that I should pay another ring?” The boy hesitated. Reina held her jaw tightly. Finally the boy inhaled sharply.
“The price is three cruss rings for one lily,” he said as fast and as bravely as he could.
The Vicereine stood back up straight and reached across her waist with the opposite hand for her coin purse.
“You’re an honest bargainer,” Reina stated flatly. Then she presented the boy with a bright silver monarch. The boy’s eyes widened as he watched. The priceless rings on each of the Vicereine’s slender fingers gleamed in the light of the Inn’s lanterns. She carefully placed the coin in his flower box, then leaned close and spoke quietly.
“Do not spend this precious coin, but keep it for a worthy day. Perhaps on that day honesty such as yours will return to the streets of Aventar.”
The boy looked up and nodded as he handed Reina her flower. She carefully took it, stood up straight and nodded. The boy smiled and Reina turned to the guard.
“I look forward to that day, officer. Don’t you?” Reina asked as she slowly carried her flower up the slight incline of the marketplace street. The guard’s expression changed to that of someone caught stealing something of little value, then he glanced down at his right boot.
Kenesh dared not move. He had almost become the shadow that concealed him. He could hear the tapping sound of the Vicereine’s staff and the sound of her robes dragging on the stony ground as she slowly passed an empty flax cart a few blocks east of the marketplace. A massive smooth-bladed knife dripped with lethal poison at his side. The streets of the east square were dimly lit, and the flat aroma of a cooling potter’s kiln hung damply in the air of the narrow alley Reina approached.
Reina slowly came into view and Kenesh took immediate note of the twin iron chains around her waist. They were the rare and unique badge of station of the scribe arcanists, and if Kenesh could make off with them…
“Donation for the food, er, for the poor, my lady?” a small wiry man stammered, rattling a cup with one hand and pretending not to be able to see as he wandered across the Vicereine’s path. Reina stopped and inhaled as she prepared a reply, then her instincts shouted “danger.”
Kenesh Drun struck with both speed and savagery. He reached around Reina’s head with his right hand, and his heavy metal claw raked across the Vicereine’s cowl. It was an attack meant to blind his victim and expose them to his blade. But Reina did not turn, nor did she appear affected by the slashing of four razor sharp hooks across her face. Having no time to change strategies, Kenesh drove his knife into Reina’s back. He failed to notice the subtle change in the consistency of her robes until a grotesque snapping sound jarred his single-minded focus. A screaming lightning bolt of pain shot up his left arm as he lost his balance, stumbling to his left. The two pieces of his poisoned knife clattered to the ground as he fell.
Nako howled his best attempt at a battle cry and attacked frontally, holding his much smaller knife over his head, blade down. Reina reached out with her off-hand and caught Nako’s arm at the wrist as he drove his knife down towards her chest. Reina turned slightly to one side and twisted her grip. The turn pulled Nako off balance and very nearly broke both bones in his wrist. His knife fell out of his hand as Reina threw him to one side. Nako crashed face-first into the far brick wall, knocking crates to the ground and scattering the tin plates stacked on them.
By now Kenesh was back on his feet. He hesitated for a moment in alarm, realizing the darkness splashed across his left hand was not blood, but his poison. Before he had even a moment to be grateful for the protection of his gloves, Reina turned. Her entire body seemed to radiate an immensely powerful energy even as it absorbed what little light remained in the alley. Kenesh felt the blood in his spine turn to ice as the Vicereine’s narrow eyes became visible from under her cowl, slowly brightening to the enraged color of glowing blood.
She began to speak, but her words seemed to be alternately miles away and right next to Kenesh’s ears. Her many voices formed an ocean of shadows beneath them and the alleyway began to warp and shift around the darkening figure he faced.
Whispers from another place reached into his mind. They spoke of cold and friendless places, where pain flowed across the ground like a spiderweb of tiny rivers. They pried into his consciousness muttering foulness he could have scarcely imagined in his most craven avarice. Kenesh felt his throat tighten and he scrambled to escape, but his body refused to obey his one overwhelmed attempt at a rational thought.
Hidden corners of his being began to drip with shadow, and slowly began to strangle the light from his vision. He had to get away.
A high pitched night-piercing screech tore through the air as Kenesh ran over the gate bridge towards the swamp. Something horrid pursued him. He could run all the way to the edge of the swamps, but he knew he would never get away. Never. Yet still he ran, even as his hair turned white and fell from his head, taking the skin off his skull with it. He put his hands up to his face and screamed forever.
Nako wheezed and reached up with both hands to pull at Reina’s grip as she lifted him off the ground by the throat. His face bulged in pain as Reina held her twisted staff to one side and spoke words of such power that each syllable threatened to weaken the stonework of the nearby buildings. Nako’s skin began to darken and still the Vicereine tightened her grip. Her voice lowered to a whisper as Nako’s eyes fell back into his head and his hands fell limply to his sides.
Reina contemptuously threw the rotting skeletal remains of the defeated assassin against the wall, shattering the brittle bones into dozens of pieces, each of which continued to decay as she turned back to Kenesh, whose ghostly face remained frozen as the screams continued to echo through his rapidly deteriorating mind.
She took a step forward and stopped. Kenesh seemed to notice suddenly and scrabbled backwards. He was unarmed and there was nowhere to run. Reina picked up the broken blade of Kenesh’s knife from the stony floor of the alleyway, then continued approaching him as she examined it. Kenesh pushed back, his shoulders scraping the brick wall as he got to his feet. Reina stopped inches away, her hands covered in the poison from the blade. Her slender hands seemed to heal themselves just as quickly as the poison ate through the skin of her bluish fingers.
Kenesh knew better than to say a word. Reina leaned close and spoke evenly through gritted teeth. Kenesh held his breath, looking down at the shadow obscuring all but her chin.
“I was inventing poisons four hundred years before your grandfather learned to walk,” Reina spat the last word contemptuously as she turned away, dropping the useless piece of the knife on the ground.
“Do you know what it feels like to have a part of your body die while still attached to living flesh?” the Vicereine asked, stopping in the center of the alley.
Suddenly Kenesh felt as if every nerve was being drained through the sole of his left boot. He collapsed instantly as a cold, burrowing agony pierced the entire left side of his body. He looked down, eyes wide, and wailed until he nearly felt the inside of his throat burst. What was left of his left foot was nothing more than a putrified weight attached to a limb so infected that the very thought of moving it made his nerves boil over with pain. The Vicereine waited patiently for Kenesh’s howling to subside.
“Now you know.”
Kenesh panted as he failed to regain his balance. He leaned against the brick wall, a cruel cold sweat tormenting his parched tongue with a salty tang.
“Who sent you?” Reina asked. Kenesh did not answer. He could scarcely breathe.
“Answer me, or the agony that is now infecting every limb of your being will see two harvests before death releases you from it.” The Vicereine stood resolute, still seeming to dim the nearby lights with her mere presence. Kenesh stirred, preparing to draw a breath with which he might have managed a cough.
“The Merchants Guild?” Reina answered for him. “What plan did you hatch with those overfed hyenas? Did you expect to waylay me with your robber’s club like some baker of bread, and have me leaning against the alley semi-conscious while you fumble with your shriekbat venom and help yourself to my coinpurse?” Reina looked up at a nearby streetlamp. “Pity. I was in a fine mood before all this, too. I had a nice meal this evening. They served me cornbread.” She glanced back to Kenesh. “I like cornbread, don’t you?”
Kenesh sputtered and inhaled reflexively. Reina waited for a moment, then asked.
“Do you wish to be free of this curse?”
Kenesh attempted to nod his head, but instead his shoulders convulsed. His breathing was becoming slightly stronger.
“You will return to whichever of those fattened vermin sent you and inform them that the Vicereine sends her regards.” Reina lowered her voice to a menacing tone. “You will also inform them the blood of the next assassin sent after me will be used to dye my boots.” Reina turned to leave.
“You have one hour,” she said.
Kenesh’s next cough rattled alarmingly and with immense effort he slowly sat up and rasped a response.
“But it is two days ride.” Kenesh coughed the last words.
Reina stopped and slowly crouched to the alley floor to retrieve her light-colored lily. Then she continued along her original route.
“You have one hour.”
LadyStar™ Call of the Huntress is Copyright © 2007 Heavy Cat Multimedia Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Read Part One
Read Part Two
“You’re a fool. Gold monarchs are the coin of the Branven Merchants.” The small, wiry man twitched annoyingly as he dealt the next hand. “No man is desperate enough to face that problem.”
“You’re a bigger fool if you think I’m going to fall for card tricks after only two flagons,” Kenesh replied, throwing his cards down on the table. “We play corners to edges or I’ll take my business to Yicho. At least in the swamps I can get in a spot of fishing.” Nako shook his head as he shuffled the greasy cards. His face continued to twitch. Kenesh picked up a properly dealt hand and frowned at what he saw.
“What’s your plan?” the dealer chuckled as he opened a cheap bottle. “Wait in a dark alley for a scribe arcanist? She is called Vicereine as far north as Kulnas.” Kenesh became more and more agitated. “There are none in Aventar who even lived when such title was last granted!” The dealer almost shouted. Kenesh slammed his cards down on the table.
“This is my notched blade, Nako. One opportunity to make a career.” Kenesh hissed. “And a fortune to encrust it in jewels.”
“If you see five gold monarchs I’ll sell you the palace for them,” Nako replied. Then he shook his head. “More likely you’ll end up worse than dead.”
“Find me something foul that will finish the job quickly then,” Kenesh reclined. “Perhaps there will be a reward for you as well.”
Nako’s twitching only intensified. He sniffled and itched his right ear, then shook his head as he stood up.
“Going to get us both turned into wretched things that haunt the night,” he muttered, walking past a bloodstained curtain into a darkened alcove. Kenesh picked up Nako’s cards and saw he was still cheating, but had only changed techniques.
“Perhaps I’ll remove a few of your fingers so you’ll not pollute the world with any more of these infernal card tricks of yours!” Kenesh shouted into the back. A dusty wind caused the stained tarp at the front door of the small shack to twist and flap as flakes of dried grime littered the mutilated mat underneath it.
“Since I expect what’s in this bottle to kill you and your horse before you reach the marketplace, I’ll take my payment in advance,” Nako said, as he placed a bright metallic bottle in front of Kenesh and backed away.
“What is it?” Kenesh asked.
“It’s a contact poison made from the eye fluids of shriekbats. Oil your gloves and for the sake of all the swampwater in Gacenar, don’t get any on you,” Nako replied. “You’ll be dead before you feel it.”
“Weapons?” Kenesh squinted his pale eye.
“It will stick to any blade for months,” Nako replied. “You’ll have to burn it off, and don’t stand by the fire either.”
Kenesh picked up the bottle and hefted it. The fluid was much heavier than water, and seemed to be very thick. Kenesh felt it move very slowly from one side of the bottle to the other. It was a disorienting feeling. He put the bottle back down.
“Want to double your payment?” Kenesh asked, looking sideways at Nako, who licked his lips and twitched in response.
To be continued . . .
LadyStar™ Call of the Huntress is Copyright © 2007 Heavy Cat Multimedia Ltd. All Rights Reserved
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ladydisdain,
That's a great list, thanks!
I can never think off the top of my head like that.
everyone seems to be limited to people they met last week - so TRENDY! How about someone who has lasted without the hoopla? Another vote for Lowry and/or Macaulay. (Though Pinkwater is great too)
I second the Kate DiCamillo nomination. She's an amazing communicator, and the picture Roger posted recently could be a "hand-off."
Rick Riordan is awesome with kids. He would be my choice!
Kate DiCamillo would be fabulous. Mo Willems would also be wonderful. Cynthia Rylant appeals to a pretty diverse range of readers. Christopher Paul Curtis is amazing, too.
I agree with the idea that given the number of females in the children's literature field, following Jon with a woman would be fair.
I was glad to see my first pick, Kate DiCamillo already on the list.
My colleague suggested Judy Blume and I think she has really earned the honor, too.
Daniel Pinkwater! LOVE HIM!
IF he says no, Judy Blume or Lois Lowry.
Sorry, Mo & Kate, I'm not buying it. Maybe in 10 years.
I think it is turn for the ladies to take the crown ...
Jane Yolen, hand down!
Ooooh this is tough. I say Daniel Pinkwater, though I admit I am totally biased because I am his agent. As such, of course, I think that everyone should give him honors and prizes and shiny medals and crowns to wear. (There is a crown involved, right?)
But... then again, I can't imagine ANY writer wanting to do all the schlepping around that our current Ambassador does. When would they have time to write?
So actually, I vote: KEEP JON. He's the only person with the energy for it!
How about:
Maurice Sendak
Faith Ringgold
Tomie dePaola
Vera Williams
Todd Parr
or Rosemary Wells?
Richard Peck!
SHANNON HALE because she's awesome and HILARIOUS in person.
Marla Frazee
Andrew Clements
Jane Yolen
Cynthia Rylant
Christopher Paul Curtis
Linda Sue Park
Mark Crilley
Katherine Applegate
Does s/he have to be American? Neil Gaiman would be great and has written on many different levels and could attract more than just people already in "in the loop" James Kennedy would be funny (funny seems important), Carmen Deedy (would be the BEST! automatic love from the librarians and storytellers and is funny, and not a gringo...), John Green (funny and winning, writes YA but is familiar with kids lit. as well), Daniel Pinkwater (obviously), Jane Yolen (has written just everything), David Shannon (is funny and engaging), Tommie dePaola (great pick), Mo (natch), Jarrett J. Krosoczka (again w/the funny), Dav Pilkey (wonderful).
Mitali Perkins would be a wonderful ambassador.
Laurie Halse Anderson
Okay, I have a few more suggestions and then I'm going to stop (but this is really fun to think about):
Marc Brown
Chris Van Allsburg
Byrd Baylor
Steven Kellogg
Judith Viorst
Russell Hoban (although I think he currently lives in England)
James Howe
E. L. Konigsburg
Megan Whalen Turner. She is charming, relates well to both kids and adults, and her Queen's Thief books appeal to a wide range of ages.
Katherine Paterson-- she's had a long career, is dedicated to children's books and literacy, is an amazing and graceful speaker, and has a natural ability to connect with kids.
If elected, I will not serve--not that I do not meet all the criteria spectacularly. The thing is, I prefer not to have contact with the adults connected with children's literature, except the ones who use bad language...like my agent.
Daniel Pinkwater
Megan McDonald. She is magic with kids.
KATHERINE PATERSON, please. No one deserves it more. Substantial contribution to children's literature? Stature: respect and admiration of peers? etc.? Excellent and facile communicator?
You bet.
Katherine!
leda
Jane Yolen
Linda Sue Parks
ooh, what fun to be a kingmaker! but who else is on the selection committee? is this a children's book committee? slj? Junior lit guild? how many judges? maybe you are a solo judge?
Katherine Paterson would be the perfect choice - she meets every single one of your criteria. I've seen her bring a huge crowd to its feet, cheering what she had to say about kids books. And she does this with grace and intelligence - just what's needed in an ambassador.
I second (or third) Mo Willems. He's a hoot and a wonderful communicator. Some of his books are so original and creative.
Katherine Paterson
Linda Sue Park
Laura Amy Schlitz
Judy Blume, of course!
I'd love to see POETRY recognized.
I'd love to see someone like J Patrick Lewis receive such an honor. Not only is great working
with childen, he has done such a
wide variety of work, including
several outstanding picture books.
Has anyone done more for children
than Lee Bennett Hopkins over his
50 years of working with and for children?
Another vote for Kate DiCamillo or Daniel Pinkwater.
Probably too much travel and such for Ashley Bryan, but man, would he be great.
Kimberly Willis Holt--she has a wide range of fans and appeals to many. Plus she is a National Book Award winner!
Jack Gantos!
A woman please. Let's allow our industry a step into the modern age.
Also a long term person who has paid their dues to earn this title. Let the newbies stand in a line behind them and await their turn. No pushy pushy here.
NO to Mo! Have you ever met him in person? Made a very rude remark the first time I did. Will never will talk to him again without an apology. Do not put the ASS in ambassador.
Anon 10:34
I don't think the job should go to the person who has waited the longest in line. It should go to the person who can do the job best-- and for that reason, I think a newbie might not be best for the job. I also think the newbies are a bit too busy for the job.
It depends on what the job is supposed to be. If the jobholder is an Ambassador to the Children and is going to be going on a million school visits and encouraging reading programs and inspiring librarians-- then it may as well be someone like Rick Reardon, fairly new but high profile.
If it's someone who is supposed to have instantiate the best of literature for children--not just great reading, but great writing -- and someone who is supposed to go argue with the powers that be on behalf of children and literature--then pick someone like Katherine Patterson.
What did Jon Sciezka do in the job? Does anybody know?
And I'd like to hear more about how the Ambassador gets picked.
Anonymous at 9:13 asked, "but who else is on the selection committee? slj? Junior lit guild? how many judges? maybe you are a solo judge?"
I think we can safely assume that if Roger is on the committee, the Junior Lit Guild will have some input. They sign his paychecks, after all.
Most of the names listed above are wonderful, but many are in their seventies or older and may not have the energy or desire to do the extensive traveling required for this position.
Mordicai Gerstein has a wonderful body of work--humane, beautiful, funny. With kids, he's gentle and completely alive--and he listens to every word a child says. And he's sane enough not to let the publicity ruin him.
Putting myself in Mr. Pinkwater's good graces, here's a big fuck you to troll@12:00PM. One employer or another has been signing my paychecks for 35 years. Maybe you will get a real job someday, too.
The website linked in the post has not updated the names on the selection committee but we are: Rita Auerbach, Betty Carter, Diane Roback, Angela Sherrill and me, with Ambassador Scieszka advising. I was told to come to the meeting with several possible names, and that's all I know.
The gloves are off! It's strangely satisfying. That was a trolling sucker punch, indeed, and deserved to be called out as such. Though the idea that this is all a rigged game, possibly with the Freemasons and SLJ huddled together offstage, is amusing in its own right.
I'm casting my vote for Katherine Paterson. Humor, grace, wisdom, and an ability to connect with readers young and old ... oh, and she can write terrific books. Sounds like an ambassador to me.
Hmmm.
I immediately thought of Jack Gantos (for his range, humor, energy and dedication to the field...and for his work with the prison population)
Kate DiCamillo has shown serious dedication to libraries and children and her books are written for many ages.
Vera Williams is amazing with children.
Jacqueline Woodson has the range, personality and ability to speak to all sorts of folks.
I do wonder how you will balance the accomplishments and talents of the possible ambassadors with their abilities to serve. Some of the names mentioned live outside the US for a good part of the year or are very very busy writing and speaking already.
I hope you and your talented committee have a ball with this enviable task.
I do know who Roback is, but otherwise am at a loss. Who are those other ladies? (I mean, of course, occupations and/or affiliations)
Clearly an interest in books - which is what I've brought to this "dialogue" - doesn't qualify me to ask questions. Do you have an entrance requirement or screening process?
I had planned to log on just to say, c'mon, you guys, we need someone who will get TV coverage etc and using a name I've never heard of (which applies to a few of the names above) or, I'm sorry to say, a poet, won't cut it. A major purpose of this position is to garner publicity for the cause and books we have all devoted our lives to. And a lot of people, I'm sorry to say, turn off when they hear the word poetry. Couple that with the people who turn off when they hear "children's books" and you are defeating the purpose of the role.
But now I want to say, Anon 12:00, what you wrote is both hugely obnoxious and hugely uninformed. Though it does make me laugh that you think that the corporate bosses at Roger's parent company would even know the names of most of the candidates for the Ambassador. But you haven't followed Roger's work at all if you suppose he lets others tell him what he should think. It's Roger's conscience that informs his actions, and he can only be swayed by reasonable argument from those he respects. Roger wouldn't be swayed by personal gain anyway, but you know nothing of how our field works if you think there's any pressure on this committee from their bosses.
I would like to tell you what I think of you, and now, well, being a Christian woman -- I can't say it!
Signed,
Elizabeth Law
Daniel Pinkwater would be fun. I also find Brian Selznick to be a real swell guy.
Daniel said way back in the comments that he didn't want anything to do with us.
My choices:
Judy Blume or Chris Crutcher
Best wishes. This is a tough selection and a tough job.
Sincerely,
Cathy Norman
LOVE Mo Willems
also,
Peter H. Reynolds
Jon J Muth
I assumed that wasn't Pinkwater, but maybe it was. I noticed the Troll, but didn't feed it. It was the comment about the job going to someone who'd "paid his dues," that got a rise out of me.
I suppose the intersection of the two sets-- "those who you want to have the job" and those who are willing to take it" would be very small.
Good luck with that.
11:50
Roland Smith - incredibly engaging
T Hager
My word! Comments like 'a poet
won't cut it!' One over 70 won't
have the energy? Who are you people?
I am a poet, can cut it, am over
70 and have more energy than half
the people I know. It's not that
I am nominating myself, it's just
that I'm a wee perpelxed at such
idiocy!
Lee Bennett Hopkins
Lee, I'm the person who said a poet won't cut it, and I said why. The reason we have an Ambassador is to trumpet the cause of children's literature. And, as I said, many people already turn off when they hear "chidlren's literature." And many people turn off at the word "poetry." We want someone who will draw new converts, and I will be honest and say someone who is advertised and introduced as a "children's poet" is going to not be an immediate slam dunk at drawing attention to our cause. I am saying this as someone who considers Bill Martin Jr. and Shel Silverstein to be two of the people who made the greatest contribution to our field in the last 50 years.
In other words, I'm talking about where I perceive American popular interest to be, not about personal preference. And so, though I didn't say it before, having someone who is "mediagenic" would be a good idea, too.
--Elizabeth Law
Jack Prelutsky didnt' fare well?
Wow, the idea of Roger consulting JLG on who to vote for would be hilarious if it wasn't so insulting.
I'd go for Christopher Paul Curtis if the living in Canada thing isn't a problem. He's certainly made substantial contributions and The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Bud, Not Buddy are both popular with kids. I do think varying the type of author is important in reaching different groups of kids, plus he's a good speaker and charismatic.
I second (or third, or whatever) Laurie Halse Anderson. She reaches teens where they are, and she's done a lot for awareness of rape and eating disorders and other issues that affect teen girls. The letters she gets from teens (she posts them to her blog occasionally, and she's talked about them at appearances I've attended) are just amazing, the ability she has to touch lives.
I don't envy the choice you'll be making, Roger--a lot of the names here are great picks, except that some of them I worry might already be too busy to take on the duties. Shannon Hale, for example, is awesome, but she regularly gives up some travel and speaking arrangements to make sure to have enough time for her young family (her two children are still preschool age) and still be able to write. So while I'd root for that choice, I worry that she'd turn it down.
Katherine Paterson is another great choice. She is just delightful. Her wonderful books have also been controversial in the past, and that can get conversations going.
To echo many above, I do hope that this year it might be a woman or a minority or a woman from a minority--so often in this industry men get recognized as outstanding and loveable for being just as awesome as the everyday women who dominate the industry, not just because they're outstanding and awesome but because as men they're rare in this industry. It'd be great to see some of the women who have been dedicating their lives to great children's literature be honored similarly.
the volume of responses makes it all too clear what really matters in the chbk world: PRIZES!!! (or erhaps I should say TITLES)
WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING - it's the only thing
I nominate :
Lee Bennett Hopkins
J Patrick Lewis
Jane Yolen
Jerry Spinelli
Cynthia Rylant does not like to travel and speak or interact with the public, so as much as I like her work, that's not an option.
No consideration should be given at all to whether a white man is
chosen again, for instance, or
'a minority please,' etc. This should be decided upon merit
and criteria. Period.
I'm all for Jane Yolen - she speaks and writes with humor and wisdom, and appeals to boys and girls of all ages, and, just to put the icing on it, she is a poet as well as an accomplished storyteller. If she doesn't feel like doing the traveling to accomplish all the interacting necessary (and she is a dynamite interactor with readers of all ages!), then I think that Linda Sue Park, Lois Lowry or Katherine Paterson would all be wonderful choices.
Sorry, guys - nothing against men who write for children and teens, but there are a lot of women who do so also, and it would be wise to alternate genders for this ambassadorial honor. (Much as I love the idea of David Macaulay.) It would be a pity if all the girls who love to read (even boy books) got the impression that only men write for young people (possibly because the committee hopes to win over the boy readers who they believe will only read boy books). I understand the need to reach out to boys, but not at the cost of taking the girls, and the women who write for both genders, for granted. And no trolls allowed.
I wish to commend Roger for his use of plain English, and also say that if my services were desired, I would be willing to model for an animatronic robot, (or a flat cardboard effigy), which could do a good job, and also travel as freight.
Daniel Pinkwater
I'm not sure I understand the reasoning behind Ms. Law's argument that a "children's poet" will automatically make Americans turn their attention elsewhere, though I do think she is trying to be practical. But consider this: Most Americans are playing video games and watching reruns of THE TERMINATOR; their attention is long gone, and they wouldn't recognize ANY of the people being nominated. Probably true of the media, too. If we're looking for who might capture the most media attention, we should nominate Stephanie Meyer of TWILIGHT fame - that's the only children's writer many adults in this country (including reporters) would have heard of.
I don't mean to question Ms. Law's statement about liking and honoring Bill Martin Jr. and Shel Silverstein; I'm sure that's sincere. I just think that if we used the same yardstick for our political spokespeople - "mediagenic" -- oof! Obama would have chosen Oprah for Secretary of State.
Glad to hear Lee Bennett Hopkins defend his life's work and his ability to match the energy level (and committment) of anyone in the room. I don't care if people faint or check out mentally when they hear the word "poetry" - it's probably from lack of exposure, so I say let's EXPOSE THEM TO POETS. No wonder Europeans think we're oafs when it comes to choosing our heroes.) Give me classy and talented over mediagenic any day.
(And by the way, doesn't our outgoing ambassador, Jon Scieszka, write poetry? SCIENCE VERSE...? MATH CURSE...?)
That said, I still like Katherine Paterson for the job. Perfect choice.
Julie, I appreciate the respectful tone of your comments. But the position of Ambassador as I understand is about publicizing children's books, and I have learned, I am afraid, not to put the word "poetry" on a book jacket in some cases because it will actually cost us sales. (And I am far from the only person who will admit to that.) Jon Scieszka said that what he learned in the role is that the one thing people he meets as Ambassador all want is lists of recommended books, and I would think almost any of the people above would be excellent at that. But, and here's the rub, we want someone who will draw people to come hear him or her speak in the first place--or not switch the channel when he's on TV. So I'm defending the word mediagenic, and I think it's very possible to be classy, talented AND good with the media. I'm really interested to see who the committee comes up with to fill this big list of criteria.
When I first looked at the number of responses to Roger's post I thought...sheesh, that's a lot to slog through. Glad I did. All the names are great! I vote for all of 'em! You could have them do one of those "let's get all the famous writers together to record a children's literature pep song thingy" and just play it ad nauseam on the TV. But seriously, any of the suggestions would be great. Good luck with that Roger.
Barbara Huff
Farmington NM Public Library
Well said, Elizabeth. Classy, talented, AND mediagenic - those are not mutually exclusive qualities. Fingers crossed that such a person can be found and that he or she will be eager & able.
Sherman Alexie or Jack Gantos.
Kevin Henkes
Ian Falconer
Lee Bennett Hopkins
J Patrick Lewis
Judy Blume
Jane Yolen
I think to say poets don't
cut it is just one person's
opinion. I also agree that
most of these names would not
be recognized by the media or
readers. Jane Yolen might be.
But if that is the criteria ...
choose Madonna for Heaven's sake.
No, please no.
I have read but stayed out of this for fear of sounding as if I am trolling for the job. I think it is a great honor and responsibility for anyone who gets nominated as well as hard work and enormous opportunity.
I also chuckled when Lee spoke up for the over-70s poets.
As Roger and others know all to well, we have a plethora of talent out there. Almost all the names I read here are wonderful. (Well, perhaps not Madonna or Stephanie Meyer.) I wish them luck in their search and hope they find someone in the smaller subset of talented/willing/ and able.
Play through.
Oh--and is it somehow significant that the verifying word on my comment is COLON?
Jane
Two names not mentioned yet (or perhaps I missed them). Both great presenters, both great with children, both appeal to a wide age range:
Bruce Coville
Gregory Maguire
WHEN DO THE POLLS CLOSE? It's clear to see what really motivates these enthusiastics.
I don't think it's fair to try to find a "woman or minority" instead of trying to find the best professional for the job. Someone worthy of this honor will represent all of us.
While I think Jane Yolen, Lee Bennett Hopkins and Daniel Pinkwater would be all wonderful in this role, what about Patricia Polacco? Her books engage children at a wide range of ages and she has been promoting literacy for quite a while.
Lois Lowry! Lois Lowry!!
What about Lisa Yee? She's great with kids, pretty much one still herself. She's very funny, not afraid to look foolish. Her books are amusing but have substance as well. And she has a kid-friendly blog.--Hart
Thank you Roger—and the other members of the Unites States Children’s Book Ambassador committee, for taking the time in your hectic schedules, to give service to our kids, to reading, and to books.
When I first entered the world of children’s publishing, I had no idea how many hundreds and thousands of hours librarians across the country gave, serving on award selection committees, reading rights committees, legislative committees, and more. Your work is unheralded by our society, and is totally voluntary.
There has not been a major national literacy campaign to draw the American public’s attention to the importance of reading and children’s books since the post-Sputnik era of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s – a campaign that hugely influenced society and prompted national legislation that not only changed education but gave massive support to libraries across the country, and arguably, influenced children’s book publishing for the better.
The NEA’s “Read Across America” campaign, the ALA’s outstanding literature awards, and the new Library of Congress Children’s Book Ambassador position may not equal the accomplishments of the 1960’s but they are valiant, and in reality, noble attempts that do garner the nation’s attention, at least momentarily—a major accomplishment in a world where Michael Jackson’s death and funeral blanket the airwaves for days on end.
I am so grateful, that you and so many others take the time to serve on the Ambassador committee, the ALA’s many committees, and all voluntary committees that promote literacy, literature, and libraries. The world we live in does not often honor the work of adults who dedicate their professional and personal lives to children-- perhaps the reality is that we as a society to not truly value children—and working in that kind of national atmosphere makes your dedication, and others' dedication, all the more admirable.
Mary Brigid Barrett
The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Ann Martin
Jack Gantos.
Can Jon Scieszka just have the position for life? I think he's done a fabulous job, and can't imagine anyone doing better.
If not Jon, I echo the person(s) who recommended Linda Sue Park. She's a great advocate for children's literature of all kinds, and wouldn't just promote her own books.
NOT
A
MAN
And not an actively working writer (male or female) with a family to raise.
-- tovesse
Laurie Halse Anderson is GREAT with students!
People keep telling me that some maniacs are presumably seriously suggesting that I represent anything, so I keep coming back here to see. I may as well voice my own preference: Lee Bennett Hopkins, since he's already doing the job, with plenty of grace, and has been since I can remember.
Daniel Pinkwater
I think Michael Rosen, a poet, kicked some ass and took some names in a similar position in the UK. Is that because it's just different over there?
Ummmm, I'm not sayin' we shouldn't have a poet as ambassador, but there is a children's poet laureate post, originally occupied by Jack Prelutsky and now by Mary Ann Hoberman...
Irene Fahrenwald
Mr Hopkins is more than a poet. He has done novels, professional books, a TV series, had written countless of articles in various
journals and more. And if you ever
heard him speak you'd be lauging
and crying and reveling in his
words. He is magical.
I think a perfect candidate would be Robert San Souci. He's fabulous with kids, has the stomach for administrators and can hold up to a hell of a lot of traveling! Yay Bob!
Here's another vote for Bruce Coville-- the energy and enthusiasm of a ten year old kid, intense passion for children's literature and literacy, and a substantial and very fine body of work.
I vote for Linda Sue Park.
She's charming, kind, gracious, charasmatic and very knowledgeable about writing and about the industry as a whole. Plus she's an incredible writer, of course. I think she'd be a fabulous role model for kids.
Gennifer Choldenko
How about Esme Codell. She is another who is committed to children and reading.
Anonymous 7:19. I was clearly not casting aspersions on the eminent Mr. Hopkins. Get a grip.
Irene, was Anon 7:19 really casting aspersions on you? Grip thyself!
Kevin Henkes.....a contrast to Jon but more importantly, smart/wise/thoughtful about kids, books and kids, terrific with kids, as well as adults, and he is versatile...writer/illustrator/picture book maker, and novelist! Norma Jean
Jane Yolen or Lee Bennett Hopkins.
I know she is new to writting books but Children love her... What about Sabrina Bryan The Cheetah Girl and now co writer of Princess of Gossip. She would be a great for that role.
Judy Blume! She deserves such an honor.
What about a dual Ambassadorship for Ted & Betsy Lewin? They're illustrators, they're authors, they work separately, they work together, they're great with kids, they love to travel (and have no kids to make traveling more difficult)... seriously, the Lewins for the win.
OMG Sabrina Bryan for the WIN. She's mediagenic, Elizabeth! And she's written a BOOK!
W00t.
I'm guessing that is not the real Daniel Pinkwater.
Yours truly,
Arthur Rackham
I heartily vote for Jane Yolen who has not only reached millions of children, but has given so much of herself to mentor authors like me without asking for anything in return.
It would be nice for Jon (who I adore) to turn the mantle over to a woman.
I also vote for Jerry Spinelli for the same reasons. He once told me to write what I love and stop worrying about what the market is buying. In that way he's been able to reach children who are often ignored or disconnected. I once listened to a local reporter say that she had an unruly Sunday school class. Then she started reading Maniac Magee and the boys came clamoring back each week for another installment. Perhaps Jerry and Eileen in a joint role?
I'd like to see those authors not "hyped" by the media but have managed sustained contributions get the nod. Especially those working with the next generation of children's authors.
...Christine Taylor-Butler
Why not raise the level public awareness through the media with a solid choice instead of catering to the lowest common denominator to please. Haven't we done enough of that in publishing? With all the "great" choices that's been pushed on the public to make a buck, the public seems less involved with reading, not more. Great job people (sarcasm). The road to hell is paved by pleasing others.
Also, no more posing with anti-intellectuals (Laura Bush). Let's have someone with real cajones who will stand up for literacy and not use it as photo op.
NO to Jane Yolen who poo poos nepotism but does it anyway.
Oops - I add to my list Linda Sue Park. She's a genius and I really appreciate her wisdom and willingness to reach out.
I'd like (for obvious reasons) to see children's lit diversify in light of the fiasco going on with the Bloomsbury "whitewashing" covers issue and the lack of any proactive action from other corners of the industry.
It would make a great statement to say that people of different ethnic persuasions can stand up and be recognized. And Linda is great with kids as well!
Anonymous. If you're going to attack another author at least have the guts to post using a real name.
A tag team: Jane Yolen and Lee Bennett Hopkins.
I voted for Gore, I voted for Kerry, and I voted for Obama, but I dislike the cheap shots at Laura Bush, Anon 11:28. She started something great with the annual Texas Book Festival, going strong since 1996, open to all political stripes, and I think her motives sincere, no matter what I think of her husband's legacy.
It really is interesting how many male writers are being suggested, when the field is dominated by women. I wonder if more men write humor or seem "fun" in public . . . you know, like how Dad is always more fun than Mom.
Lisa Yee
Katherine Paterson
MT Anderson (let the man work in his pajamas)
Linda Sue Park
I hereby nominate E.B. Lewis.
They are young, have media attention, write poetry, will not have sex until married...thus I
nominate THE JONAS BROTHERS over all others
Lee Bennett Hopkins