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I like special days where the method of celebration is clearly described in the title. Take today’s special day, for example – World Read Aloud Day. Grab a book and read it out loud – to your class, your child, yourself. Click here for details.
Have you subscribed to author/illustrator Katie Davis’s podcast yet? It would do ye some good, as Davis consistently interviews children’s lit luminaries and provides reviews from the likes of Jennifer Hubert Swan (Reading Rants) and Betsy Bird (A Fuse #8 Production). This week, she interviews Terry Doherty (of Reading Tub fame) and even kindly shouts out my Covering the Newbery project. Click here to download.
Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein. On shelves September 2011.
Chances are you’ve already seen this one, as it’s been making the rounds pretty swiftly this week. Clear space on the shelf.
Based on the massive hype surrounding every step The Hunger Games takes towards theaters, I’m predicting a modest to larger-than-predicted hit for this adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novel. Click the image above for the inside word on casting.
INDIES CHOICE/E.B. WHITE READ-ALOUD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
I’m especially curious to see who wins the Middle Reader category, as it is loaded with talent. Click here to read.
GO FLY YOUR GOLDEN KITE
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators recently dished out their Golden Kite and Sid Fleishman awards. Some great choices to be seen. Click here to check out the winners.
Super Diaper Baby 2: The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers. On shelves June 28, 2011
Looks like we have a good ol’ blockbuster in the wings. Fun activity: put this on the shelf and see how long it is before you see it again.
Watch. Connect. Read. Has a great roundup of resources related to this and other books by Dav Pilkey. There’s even a video of Pilkey himself, which marks the first time I’ve ever laid eyes on the guy. Click here to check it out.
It would take a lot for me to give up the Dewey Decimal system for classifying books. It’s just…so…organized. But there are those shooting for a more bookstore feel. Click the image above to read.
You thought she was moody before, just wait until she appears on the silver screen. Yes, a film adaptation of the popular series by Megan McDonald is coming to theaters. Click here for details, including cast photos. Click here to read about the film in the LA Times blog.
I’ve been reading (and purchasing books for my libraries based on) librarian Tasha Saecker’s reviews for years at her blog Kids Lit. She recently switched blog monikers (to Waking Brain Cells) and moved locations – be sure to make the move with her. Click here to visit her new site and subscribe.
Over at Bookends, Lynn and Cindy share a genius reading promotion tool – the Good Books Bin. Steal this idea accordingly. Click the image above to read.
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Let a Book Be Your Roof Edition as of 2/8/2011 10:28:00 PM
The titles set to trade literary blows in the annual School Library Journal Battle of the Kids Books have been released, and Educating Alice has them. Click here to read.
NEWBERY HONOR AUTHOR A HIT ON JAPANESE TV
Sound the real headline alarm! The Newbery and Caldecott may not be getting love from American television networks (see: Today Show snub), but Japanese TV is keepin’ it real, covering Heart of a Samurai author Margi Preus. Click here to read.
Still basking in Newbery Medal afterglow? Rather than idly gazing out the window with a goofy smile plastered on your face (as I do), why not channel your glow energy into something with a purpose? How about taking your favorite Newbery-winning story and turning it into a 90 second video? Author James Kennedy and A Fuse #8 Production mastermind Elizabeth Bird are teaming up with the New York Public Library for the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival. This, friends, will be fun. Click here for all the details.
NOTABLES ANNOUNCED
This is your collection speaking. If you haven’t checked out ALSC’s recently-released 2011 Notable Children’s Books list, you better get a move on. Click here to get said move on.
ROLL YOUR QUARTERS; ‘STEWART LITTLE’ AND ‘LITTLE HOUSE’ ILLUSTRATIONS UP FOR AUCTION
First it was Charlotte’s Web, now it’s Stewart Little and Little House. Garth Williams original artwork from both classics will soon hit the auction block. Click here to view the illustrations up for grabs.
Abby (the) Librarian and @MrSchuReads alerted me to this one, and I’m glad they did. The team that brought Babymouse into the world is set to unleash a new graphic novel series for young readers. Consider my hopes high.
0 Comments on Morning Notes: 3 Things Edition as of 1/1/1900
The Winter Blog Blast Tour (see also: interviews with some of the best and brightest in the children’s/YA worlds) is in full swing and is a sight to see. Visit Chasing Ray for the full schedule.
THE CREEP CONTINUES: GOOGLE UNVEILS EBOOK STORE
Google’s getting in on the ebook game in a big way, partnering with thousands of publishers and booksellers (including Schuler Books, the independent bookstore I always link to). TechCrunch has all the details on this service, which is bound to have a big impact on the book world. Click here to read.
AUTHOR JANE YOLEN TALKS GRAPHIC NOVELS ON NPR
What do you do when you’ve published 300 books? Write a graphic novel. NPR talks with Jane Yolen about doing just that. Click here to listen.
THE FUTURE OF BOOKS PREDICTED BY CRAPPY SCI-FI COVER
Yeah! The Christian Science Monitor recently profiled middle school librarian, Bookends blogger, and friend Cindy Dobrez. A nice peek into the world of a librarian you should know. Click the image above to read.
@anitasilvey leads the way to a short and sweet best of the year list from the Boston Globe.
In lieu of other news, we have…
*T-SHIRT OF THE WEEK*
Finally, a shirt that fans of both Harry Potter and David Bowie can enjoy.
Last week it was Newbery, this week it’s Caldecott. Next week I’m hoping the folks at ACPL conduct a mock chocolate-covered pretzel contest. I would also like in on such a contest. Anyway, ACPL has gone and posted their third list of Caldecott contenders. List #1List #2List #3
HOW A COVER IS BORN
I sometimes tinker with covers. The results? Not so hot. If you want a taste of how the pros do it, you’ll enjoy the cover evolution series at ABRAMS Art Director (and former 100 Scope Notes interviewee) Chad W. Beckerman’s blog Mishaps and Adventures. To see the entire cover art process, from initial sketches to finished product and all the stops in between for Sweet Treats & Secret Crushes by Lisa Greenwald, click here.
FAMILY GREED SEPARATES CHARLOTTE FROM WILBUR
This is a real headline alert, folks. Remember the recent auction of original Charlotte’s Web artwork? Well there is more to the story, as Rocco Staino explains in this Huffington Post piece. There’s even a video of the auction. Click here to read.
Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama. Currently #1 on the New York Times and Indie Bound picture book bestseller lists.
The first week of sales for President Obama’s picture book was, to paraphrase Joe Biden, “a big deal”. Of Thee I Sing topped both the New York Times and Indie Bound bestseller lists.
You have to love a list with some quirk. Guardian makes some less traditional picks for their 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books. Click the image above to read.
When you pick up a kids book illustrated with photographs, do you consider it a Caldecott contender? A Fuse #8 Production has an interesting post on why photography doesn’t get much Caldecott love. Click here to read.
THE NEWBERY LIST IS GETTING SHORTER
Over at Heavy Medal they reveal their shortlist for mock Newbery consideration. Dark Emperor, eh? I need to get my hands on that one. Click here to see it.
Are you considering dipping your toes into the eReader lending waters? This post from the Unquiet Librarian guides you through all the ins, outs, and what have yous of the process. Things are gonna get really interesting on this front. Click here to read.
Author/illustrator Sergio Ruzzier (Hey, Rabbit!) has a great idea – ask book-related folks for their top 10 picture books and share the results, list by list. I even get in on the action. Click here to read.
Anita Silvey is doing something cool. She started a blog and will post a book recommendation every day. At the end of the year, the whole thing gets published. There’s some serious knowledge to gain here folks. Click here to check it out.
Four of the top five bestselling chapter books are brand new to the New York Times bestseller list. Let’s name names:
While there is a serious strain of Bieber Fever running through the schools where I work, I have to say I’m happy to see Riordan beat out the Canadian pop star for the #1 spot.
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Green Eggs & Shirt Edition as of 1/1/1900
I’m in the midst of book fair madness at my schools – just a quick Morning Notes today.
CHARLOTTE SOLD; EXCEEDS PREDICTIONS
Original artwork from Charlotte’s web recently hit the auction block, and sold for five times higher than expected. Click here to read the details.
SEUSS MANUSCRIPT UNCOVERED
Recently an unpublished Dr. Seuss manuscript came to light, and it makes for an interesting perusal. The rough outline for All Sorts of Sports gives a glimpse into a master’s process. Click here to read.
LIBRARIES SAY ‘IPAD AND KINDLE ARE NO FRIENDS OF MINE!’
I have yet to purchase an e-reader. The fact that you can’t borrow ebooks from the library on the two most popular devices ain’t helping. Click here to read.
Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems. Currently #1 on the New York Times and Indiebound bestseller lists.
I frequently check both the New York Times and Indiebound bestseller lists and you be surprised at how rarely the same book tops both lists. This week, the final installment in the Knuffle Trilogy accomplishes the feat.
Not children’s lit-related, but certainly school-related. If you’re interested in discovering the latest and greatest on the web, Best of the Web 2010 is a must read. Online tools chosen specifically for those i
A million thoughts pop into my head upon reading the controversial New York Times piece Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children (click here to read). Here are a couple:
1. When parents are doing the buying, yes, they are pushing kids to read chapter books earlier. This, I get the impression, is what they feel “involved” parents do.
2. Schools are partly responsible, as reading level measures (such as Lexile) are becoming more prevalent. Schools are in the business of locating students’ reading levels (often through a test). If Freddie 1st Grader reads at a 700 Lexile level, Freddie’s parents want him to read a book written at a 700 Lexile level (see: most likely a chapter book).
3. If kids had free reign, they’d be reading just as many picture books as always, which makes this whole situation kind of scary as the reader isn’t the one in control.
COFFEE SHOP LOOKS LIKE LIBRARY … ONLY SIDEWAYS
I’m not sure why the D’Espresso coffee shop decided to turn a library on its side for their interior design, but I like it. Click here to check it out.
(Thanks to BoingBoing for the link)
WILLY WONKA CHEWING GUM COULD BECOME REALITY
Real headline alert! Thank you microscopic capsules! This is the best news I’ve heard all day. Click here to read.
(Thanks to Telegraph for the link)
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood. On shelves March 2011.
The original snagged four starred reviews and won over plenty of fans, including Bookends and Literate Lives. The sequel should come as a welcome sight.
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Wonka Chewing Gum Edition as of 1/1/1900
I’m gonna be completely honest here – if my hands were on the Twilight cover, I’d probably want people to know about it too. Although, I don’t think I’d carry around an apple for impromptu re-creations. Click here to read about the Twilight cover hand model.
Book trailers – they’re the movie trailers of books (or something along those lines). School Library Journal is sponsoring the Trailees – a book trailer contest to find the best in a mutitude of categories, including student created. Excellent stuff. Click here (or the image above) to watch and vote.
It’s like a sequel lover’s dream. The popular 39 Clues series has spawned a sequel series coming in April. As the saying goes – ride that horse till it drops. Click here for the details.
J.K. ROWLING TO APPEAR ON OPRAH
Note to children’s authors: If you can get your books to sell almost as well as the bible, you too can have a shot at landing on Oprah’s couch. I’ll be tuning in for this. Click here to read.
Usually the bestseller lists are like the brown bag lunch I bring to work every day – never changing. But last week we saw some fresh faces and this week there’s more of the same, with first-timers making up a full 40% of the picture book bestsellers and 20% of the chapter book list. Let’s see who’s new.
Picture Books
The Splat the Cat series continues in this Halloween-themed outing. While I’m not a huge fan of Splat, the early elementary kids I work with will be very pleased this new book.
I may end up reviewing this one. The current meta-madness continues in this excellent addition to the Elephant & Piggie series.
0 Comments on Morning Notes – Some Pig Edition as of 1/1/1900
There are always going to be people (see: fools) who are going to reject honesty in books. Such was the case this week with a controversy surrounding Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. An associate professor of management at Missouri State University made some unbelievable comments regarding the Printz honor book, and the response has been swift and strong. None better, in my humble opinion, than Philip Nel’s articulate smackdown. Click here to read.
JUDGIN’ AIN’T EASY
The Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Book Awards (Cybils) have been letting loose with the names of judges and panelists for the 2010 committees. I’m mighty pleased to be bringin’ the machismo as the lone male on the Fiction Picture Book crew:
Like any self-respecting bad cover enjoyer, I have my ugly cover sources. Namely, Awful Library Books and Good Show Sir. The latter recently highlighted a cover so awesomely bad that it deserves to be shared:
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Cat People Edition as of 1/1/1900
Both A Fuse #8 Production and Educating Alice recently wrote about what is becoming an increasingly gaping hole – the lack of ALA recognition for graphic novels and other illustrations-added books for young readers. An interesting debate, to be sure. Click here to read the Fuse #8 Production post. Click here to read Educating Alice post.
TELEGRAPH AWAITS THANK YOU AFTER DIVULGING STEPS TO BEST SELLER
Authors can let out a resounding “Oh, good” – Telegraph has provided the steps to writing a children’s best seller. Cipher, cipher, cipher, folks! Click here to read.
BATTLE OF THE GIANT LIBRARIES
I’m guessing you can name the biggest library in America, but how about the second largest? How about the third – okay, I’ll stop there. Stephen’s Lighthouse has a rundown of the libraries that are the most huge. Click here to read.
Ooh La La! It’s Beauty Day by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Currently #1 on the New York Times Picture Book Bestseller list.
You know the drill. A new Fancy Nancy hits shelves, it goes to the top of the bestseller list. This latest addition is no different, taking the top slot right out of the gate. Click here to view the entire list.
Looking to start a rock-solid graphic novel collection in your library? Already have one going, but interested in filling in the gaps? You can do no better than to check out
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Suess Shoes Edition as of 1/1/1900
The American Library Association Annual Conference is this weekend and I’m attempting to cram as much into one day as possible: presenting in the morning with Pam Coughlin (MotherReader) and Liz Burns (A Chair, a Fireplace & a Tea Cozy), hitting other sessions and the exhibit floor, and ending the things at the Newbery/Caldecott Banquet. I’m bringing various life-capturing devices (camera and videocamera) so you’ll likely see some recap action here in the near future. Click here for all the conference info from ALA.
KIDLITCON 2010 ANNOUNCED
I’ve never gone, but this year, I go. If you write about children’s books, you should too. Click here for all the details.
ROALD DAHL BOOK OR HORROR MOVIE PLOT?
The website mental_floss is on a children’s lit roll. After quizzing readers on their Judy Blume and Berenstain Bears knowledge, they pull out all the stops, challenging you to determine if the plot synopses presented describe horror movies or Roald Dahl books. My score? 11 out of 12 (I love my Dahl)! Click here to visit Bookshelves of Doom and take the quiz.
Beezus and Ramona (movie tie-in edition) by Beverly Cleary. Currently #4 on the NYT Children’s Paperback Bestseller List.
Say what you will about turning children’s books into movies – the jump to the silver screen almost always sparks renewed interest in the book. Such is the case with the soon-to-hit-theaters Beezus and Ramona. Click here to check out all the bestsellers.
The blog Good Comics for Kids has you covered for summer reading. They’ve got a nice list of selections up for wasting away the dog days. Click the image above to see ‘em.
1 Comments on Morning Notes: ALA Edition, last added: 6/24/2010
The New York Times visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (open June 18) to see what all the fuss is about. Their verdict? Fairly fuss-worthy. Click here to read.
I’m late to the party on this, but the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards were recently doled out. You’ve got your When You Reach Mes, you Lions and the Mouses (Mice?), but less expected was the picture book winner I Know Here by Laural Croza. Gotta get my hands on that one. Click here to see all the winners.
FANCY NANCY COMES TO…THE NINTENDO DS?
Can we put together a list of picture books that have become video games? Where the Wild Things Are (but only after the movie), The Cat in the Hat (but only after the movie), and … hmm. Not a huge club. Add Fancy Nancy to the list. Click here to read.
Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Currently #8 on the the New York Times picture book bestseller list.
Yeah, yeah, the usual titles up on the bestseller list again. Hold on! We’ve got some new blood this week, and I like what I see. Shark vs. Train is a crowd-pleaser, but I didn’t expect it to crack the bestseller list. Cool to see. Click here to read the entire list.
There’s some serious knowledge here, folks (and great visuals). BoingBoing details the amazing work of the Library of Congress. Click the image above to read.
Oft-challenged author Lauren Myracle (TTYL) appears on ABC News Radio and talks about her oft-challenges and latest book.
(Thanks to
12 Comments on Morning Notes: Wizarding World Edition, last added: 6/18/2010
Dammit. I’ll just add this to the pile of reasons why I wish I were going to ALA this year. Grumble grumble sadface.
EM said, on 6/15/2010 11:45:00 AM
No waffles?! I demand a refund.
Abby said, on 6/15/2010 6:21:00 PM
Sounds awesome, wish I was going… Have fun!
Review of the Day: The Strange Case of Origami Yod said, on 6/15/2010 9:03:00 PM
[...] 100 Scope Notes [...]
Librarian Preview: Harper Collins (Fall 2010) « A said, on 6/16/2010 10:28:00 PM
[...] And I am pleased to see that Travis Jonker at 100 Scope Notes has already included it in his Blatant Barrette Banning [...]
Librarian Preview: Harper Collins (Fall 2010) « A said, on 6/16/2010 10:28:00 PM
[...] The Magnificent 12: The Call by Michael Grant is a little different. Mr. Grant is right now probably best known for his YA Gone series. All I know is that when I read the number twelve these days I instantly think of Greek gods (probably because of the similarly titled The Mighty Twelve). As it happens, this book has nothing to do with Greek myths (though I’m sure the publisher wouldn’t mind too terribly if it lured in a couple Percy Jackson fans). Apparently Mr. Grant wanted to do a contemporary funny fantasy. Say what you will about the Gone books, they ain’t exactly a chucklefest. So we find ourselves learning about a kid named Mack who one day encounters an ancient creature in the boy’s bathroom. Mack is told he’s one of the Magnificent 12 and he must assemble the other twelve-year-olds out there to fight a big bad who is coming. The final description of the book: Monty Python-esque. Oh, this I gotta see. Plus it kind of matches a trend 100 Scopes Notes is calling It’s Gettin’ Dusty. [...]
Kelley said, on 6/17/2010 9:02:00 AM
Hi!
Found your wonderful blog via the Salem Press awards and have enjoyed reading new and past posts! Just saw that you’re presenting at ALA – since I won’t be there this year (shucks!) I’m hoping you’ll post highlights or the presentation itself somewhere for those of us bound to our buildings? I hope I hope!!
Travis said, on 6/17/2010 9:13:00 AM
I’ll definitely do that. Thanks for reading!
Gene Moore said, on 6/18/2010 11:21:00 AM
I love this book, too. The review is priceless. Kids of all ages will spend lots of time with this one, examining how it all works.
Gene Moore said, on 6/18/2010 11:34:00 AM
This one taps into that competitive spirit we so often see in small (and not so small) boys! I love the clever match-ups and the fact that each have their own special talents.
~M~ said, on 6/18/2010 3:18:00 PM
I am sending this to my Collection Development professor, since we have just been talking about the importance of weeding in class. LOL!
TECHNOLOGY OVERUSE WARNING; YOUR FINGERPRINT FOR A BOOK?
Sometimes things go a bit far. That new device that will send out tweets for your cat? Too far. This appears to be another such time. Do we really need fingerprint scanners for checkout in school libraries? A school in Manchester thinks so. Click here to read.
GRAVEYARD BOOK MOVIE BACK FROM THE…NO, TOO EASY
The film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Newbery winner has just added a couple producers (1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment), securing (for now) the future of the project. Also, 1492 and CJ are producing a film adaptation of Greg Taylor’s middle grade/YA title Killer Pizza. Didn’t know that. Click here to read.
FUSE MOVED
If you look forward to your daily A Fuse #8 Production (as I do), you should know that the outstanding children’s lit blog is now transmitting from a new location. Click here to read and subscribe. (Thanks to Kids Lit for the link)
Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman and Jacky Davis. (Currently #2 on the NYT picture book bestseller list).
These things start slowly. One day a picture book is released to positive press. Fans appear. A sequel comes out. More love. Soon enough, a popular series has been created. That appears to be the case with Ladybug Girl, as the latest installment hits a high mark on the charts. Click here to check out the entire bestseller list.
Bookends discusses the growing trend of growing books for teens. What’s your theory for the increase in page counts? Be sure to check out the comments.
Review of the Day: Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer said, on 6/1/2010 7:51:00 PM
[...] I was hoping I’d find this, and I’m glad that I have. It’s a reverso review of the book. And here’s a second, even more complicated version by 100 Scope Notes. [...]
Britt said, on 6/2/2010 9:52:00 AM
My absolutely favorite thing about wildly popular picture books is when Ladybug Girl, Fancy Nancy, and Skippyjon Jones start showing up at my door on Halloween. There was a woman in my hometown who would give you an extra mini-Crunch bar if you were dressed as book character, and I find myself carrying on the tradition.
Congrats on your Salem Press blog award!
rose said, on 6/2/2010 4:59:00 PM
this book was the best book i read in a month after i was done i gave it to my friend to reead and she loved it soooo much she gave it to her sister to read who also LOVED the book “smile”
Meg said, on 6/2/2010 5:02:00 PM
I’m gonna read this book for summer reading and it seems like a book fulled with suspense and action thats what I like in a book and look for in a book and my freind that read it said that it’s hard to find a book as good as it is!
Melissa (Book Nut) said, on 6/2/2010 5:06:00 PM
OMG. The video is just awesome. I want to be a librarian.
Melissa (Book Nut) said, on 6/3/2010 7:13:00 AM
Congrats! Very cool.
Travis said, on 6/4/2010 5:31:00 AM
It’s a match! I’m going to add this into the post – thanks!
The lead singer of the band The Decemberists went and got himself a book deal. A three book middle grade deal. If you’re familiar with this band, then you know the man can tell a story. Here’s guessing this turns out well. Click here to read.
Fans of food-based literary puns, take notice! The Seattle Edible Book Festival recently wrapped up, and Kidsmomo had it covered. Click here to read.
Star Wars: A Scanimation Book by Rufus Butler Seder. On shelves May 12, 2010.
The first time I saw Gallop! A Scanimation Book by Seder, I was won over. Are the optical illusion moving images a gimmick? Sure. But an immensely pleasing one. Now, the man is taking on Star Wars. This book should have been called My Reservation on the New York Times Bestseller List for the Next 3 Years. Although, I’m glad they went with something simpler.
(I’m breaking the “week” rule, but don’t worry about it). If you’re a school librarian, this post at the Blue Skunk blog is must-read material. Doug Johnson hits close to home with a list of statements that don’t do our profession any favors. Dang.
Wait, there’s going to be a Judy Moody movie? @mrschu81 (a school librarian with one of the best Twitter feeds going) brings the news.
1 Comments on Morning Notes: Dangerous Edition, last added: 5/5/2010
Thought I’d share I used the Guys Read: Funny Business trailer for math class today. I showed the first clip with the numbers, then the second half with the numbers (omitting the bit about the joke book), and asked students to try and figure out why 31, 51, 44, and 27, were funny, but 38 wasn’t.
Interestingly enough, they acutally found a pattern, but were none impressed by me when we watched the whole video and found there was no mathematical basis for the jokes and numbers.
KMOV in St. Louis ran a story about the recent outbreak in children’s/YA book cover whitewashing. The usual suspects are all mentioned or shown: Liar, Magic Under Glass, and The Mysterious Benedict Society. They did a pretty nice job on this story, hitting the local indie bookstore and talking to employees and kids.
VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN
The polls are closing for the annual Children’s Choice Book Awards. Tell the youngsters to head here and cast their votes.
SET YOUR IPODS TO ‘SUBSCRIBE’
When I find a children’s lit podcast, I hold on to it. Author Katie Davis just started an internet radio show and it looks (and by “looks”, I mean sounds) great. Authors are interviewed, children’s lit discussed, and A Fuse #8 Production even lends a book review at the end of each episode. Click here to check it out.
No setup required for this title. I’ll just let the cover do the talking:
Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems. On shelves Septeber 8, 2010
Working in a school library, where the amount of books in and out is relatively low, this video of the new mechanical book sorter at the New York Public Library was kinda fascinating.
Picture Book Report is a site where illustrations inspired by books are put on display. Or, from the site:
Picture Book Report is an extended love-song to books. Fifteen illustrators will reach out to their favorite books and create wonderful pieces of art in response to the text that has moved them, shaped them, or excited them.
It’s always cool to see how artists approach well known books. Like Lucy Knisley’s (French Milk) take on The Giver:
The blog ShelfTalker has just updated their list of children’s books that have received starred reviews. For your humble elementary school librarian, a list of this sort has an almost unnatural appeal. Click here to read.
AMELIA BEDELIA ON TWITTER
The Greenwillow blog imagined what would happen if some of their characters had Twitter feeds. Hilarity ensues.
nomadreader (Carrie) said, on 4/21/2010 9:30:00 AM
Wow! I adore the artwork. It’s lovely and amazing. Amelia Badelia on Twitter is hilarious. I cannot wait for the Hugo Cabret 3D film. Overall, I think I got more exciting news in the last ten minutes than I have all year. Thanks!
BUY A BOOK ALREADY; OPERATION TEEN BOOK DROP IN FULL SWING
Are you busy today? Yes? Well, don’t worry about that. Purchase a book or two for teens in need. Guys Lit Wire has the details.
I’VE GOT 30 PROBLEMS; A POEM AIN’T ONE
The premise is simple – 30 days in April, 30 original poems to celebrate. GottaBook is the mastermind.
IT’S BOOKMOBILE DAY
We’re in the midst of National Library Week. Thanks to School Library Journal I know that today is the first ever National Bookmobile Day. Click here to read.
OVER-ANALYZERS REJOICE! TOP 100 CHILDREN’S NOVELS DATA EXAMINED
How does the famous quote go? “An under scrutinized best-of list is not worth its salt. Furthermore, a bar graph in the hand is worth two in the bush”. I’m pretty sure that’s how it goes. Eric Carpenter guides us through the minutia of The Top 100 Children’s Novels. Click here to read.
Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don’t) by Barbara Bottner. Illustrated by Ed Emberly. (Currently #10 on the NYT Bestseller List)
I would like to pass along some facts. The Battle of the Kids’ Books came to an end this week, with Marching for Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge taking top honors. Click here to read Katherine Paterson’s deciding vote. Click here to read all about it at School Library Journal. Facts successfully passed along.
WORST BOOK COVER EVER DISCOVERED ON TROPICAL ISLAND
The blog Awful Library Books is as advertised – they highlight some of the clunkiest clunkers that have ever clunked. This week they featured a book with a cover so bad it deserves special notice:
Un. Believable. Click here to read the laugh-out-loud comments at Awful Library Books.
MY MORNING JACKET HONORS SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Real headline alert! Those familiar with Where the Sidewalk Ends author Shel Silverstein know that he had a music career as well. Spin has the details of a forthcoming Silverstein covers album. Click here to read.
I sat down in front of my screen this week for the Scholastic Fall 2010 Preview. I had a good time, seeing some of the books Fall has up its sleeve. Now you can too. Click the image above to watch. Thanks to Abby (the) Librarian and educating alice for the link.
If you’re interested in book covers, it helps to know your spot varnish from your thermaography. Jacket Knack explains 10 common design terms. Click here (or the image above) to expand your vocab.
10 Comments on Morning Notes: Rainy Paradise Edition, last added: 4/8/2010
I just heard a live version of “Boy Named Sue” where Johnny Cash introduces Shel S. — who was in the audience — at the end of the song. That song always knocks me out — a masterpiece of storytelling. It just hurtles along with no wasted words toward that thrilling climax: “My name is Sue! How do you do?” Who could have predicted that those Seuss-ish words would become beloved by old school country fans?
Jim (Teacherninja) said, on 4/7/2010 3:17:00 AM
Great post but I gotta say, I”m not impressed w/comics on the iPad. I was a comic collector as a kid and the whole point was sharing and trading with friends. That was more than half the fun!
Travis said, on 4/7/2010 6:04:00 AM
I hear you Jim – you definitely lose something when the comic is on a screen rather than on paper.
Shel Silverstein « SAU Curriculum Library's Blog said, on 4/7/2010 6:58:00 AM
[...] that Shel Silverstein was also a singer/songwriter (and apparently even wrote A Boy Named Sue!). Thanks to 100 Scope notes, I have been [...]
Miss Julie said, on 4/7/2010 10:02:00 AM
shucks, I’m honored to be the tweet of the week.
As for Shel? Wow. His albums of music are definitely NOT kid-friendly. But awesome for adults.
Lynda Shoup said, on 4/7/2010 6:29:00 PM
This is really fun. I gave it a try, have talked about it with colleagues and have posted about it on my blog. Now I just need to think of a way to make it manageable for my young students….
Thanks for sharing this idea and the many poems people have constructed.
Charlotte said, on 4/8/2010 6:05:00 AM
But I’m offended when people turn their backs to me, espcically if I’m approaching them, wondering wether to intitiate a conversation (as one does when walking through a bookstore). I don’t want to be friends with someone’s backside
People on books should face the reader, but with heads bowed and eyes averted. Possibly with hands held out, to show peaceful intent.
Miss Julie said, on 4/8/2010 7:43:00 AM
I am one of those people who thinks Love You Forever shouldn’t exist, period. Although I think it might do quite well as a movie. It would, of course, be a horror flick from the Japanese school, which would suit the mother’s tendency to scurry across the floor like an icky, smothering scurrying thing.
Leah said, on 4/8/2010 8:12:00 AM
I am looking forward to starting a book spine poetry club at my school. (What a brilliant idea!) Do you have any recommendations on how to get kids started? Did you pull a ton of books to get them going? How did you focus their brainstorming? Thanks for any ideas you can share!
Travis said, on 4/8/2010 10:31:00 AM
Hello! It’s cool to hear that you’re interested in giving book spine poetry a shot with your students. Here would be my tips:
2. Give students paper and pencil. Since students won’t have any idea what their poem will be when they start, it helps to be able to write down titles that they might want to use. They can return to their favorites later. It’s amazing how quick you can forget things when you’re browsing.
3. Look before you pull. A project like this can easily become a shelving nightmare. Encourage students to look first, and only pull books when they are assembling their final poem.
Sound the real headline siren! I’m already working on a personality flaw that will act as my downfall if I find a ticket. I’m thinking an over-reliance on prepackaged peanut butter crackers should suffice. Pop Candy has the lowdown.
JOHN GRISHAM TO WRITE KID’S BOOKS; CHILDREN’S TOLERANCE OF COURTROOM DRAMA TESTED
There’s a deleted scene in Pulp Fiction where Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) asks Vincent Vega (John Travolta) if he’s a Beatles man or an Elvis man. She explains that you’re either one or the other – nobody likes both equally. Well, the same is true of Superman and Batman, two superheroes that have been setting record prices at the auction house recently. As a Batman fan, I’m glad to see this article from the LA Ti
6 Comments on Morning Notes: I’ve Got a Golden Ticket Edition, last added: 3/5/2010
I had planned to email you about this series. I read the first two in the series this weekend, but did not purchase them for my first grade classroom because they are too young. Perfect for kindergarten, young fives, and preschool. A great new series.
A Few Fun Alice Tidbits « educating alice said, on 3/4/2010 2:20:00 AM
[...] all over the place, Barnes & Noble’s got big displays of various editions, and now I see the 1903 film is getting some welcome attention. So let me contribute to this mini-frenzy with a few tidbits of my [...]
angela said, on 3/4/2010 4:50:00 AM
this is truly amazing– thanks for sharing!
Miss Julie said, on 3/4/2010 8:48:00 AM
My library has 10 copies of /Dog Days/, and ALL of them are checked out ALL of the time, with zillions of holds. It’s awesome.
‘CALVIN AND HOBBES’ CREATOR SPEAKS; RECLUSIVE WATTERSON GIVES RARE INTERVIEW
You have to give Bill Watterson credit for creating something great, ending on a high note, and never looking back. Click here to read the interview. Click here to find out how the interview happened.
DICTIONARY BANNED, UNBANNED
If you get your permission slip signed, you may use the dictionary at Oak Meadows Elementary School in Riverside County, CA. This is nuts.
100 SCOPE NOTES MOVING
…to a sharp-looking self-hosted site. More information to come soon.
The Newbery and Caldecott awards don’t just help the medal winners. This week, the honors also join the bestseller party (click here to see the entire list). My only question? Where is The Almost True Adventures of Homer P. Figg?
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon. #2 in Picture Books.
Red Sings From Treetops by Joyce Sidman. #9 in Picture Books.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Li. #7 in Chapter Books.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. #10 in Chapter Books.
Troubling news out of Washington.
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Banned Dictionary Edition as of 1/1/1900
0 Comments on Morning Notes: 3 Things Edition as of 1/1/1900
1 Comments on Morning Notes: Dangerous Edition, last added: 5/5/2010
0 Comments on Morning Notes: Banned Dictionary Edition as of 1/1/1900
Man, we wish we were there! Hopefully we’ll get to New Orleans next year. Thanks for the updates out there, Travis.