How to use this Page

Jason Wells, the Director of Marketing & Publicity at Harry N. Abrams Inc., was interviewed recently at Just One More Book on May 5 and 12, 2008.
Some highlights from the interviews were Jason’s thoughts on what constitutes a good website. He suggested it be a “one-stop-shop for everyone.” According to Jason, the site should be relevant for all—librarians, teachers, readers. A good website should promote the book for readers by providing additional character information, games, links, etc. Plus, it should encourage new readers as well—excite them about reading the book for themselves and sharing the experience.
Jason noted that the more an author has out there (on the Internet), the more likely it is for someone to find out about the book. However, he also stated that a review in a major newspaper or magazine still sells more books than a blog review.
To find out more publicity inside information, visit Just One More Book and listen to Jason’s interviews.
The site also has tons of book reviews and author interviews. The American Library Association’s Library Services to Children has given Just One More Book their “Great Web Site” seal of approval. It’s a wonderful site. Allow yourself some extra time when you visit because as the name suggests, you’ll want to listen/read about just one more book or author.

Last week, in part one of a two-part series, I spoke with Jason Wells, Director of Marketing and Publicity for Harry N. Abrams Inc. about the role and career path of the publicist, the high turnover rate in the industry and the evolution of book marketing and publicity in the digital age.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, part 2 of my conversation with Jason Wells. This time, we talk about digital marketing and publicity and the future of children’s books in the age of MySpace, Facebook, blogs and podcasts.

by Renee Kirchner, Contributing Editor

Everyone is familiar with Halloween customs and traditions today. Children dress up in costumes and go door to door asking for treats. However, this tradition is fairly recent. How did this unusual custom originate?

The word Halloween has its origins in the Catholic Church. Halloween is derived from All Hallows Eve which is the night before All Saints Day celebrated on November 1. The Catholics used the day to honor of the Saints in heaven. It was a very significant day during the church calendar year.

During the 5th century BC in Celtic Ireland, the celebration of Halloween was observed on October 31. This was the day that summer ended and it is when the Celtic New Year was celebrated. The spirits of everyone who had died throughout the year would wander around on that night seeking bodies to possess. So, the Celts would extinguish the fires in their homes to make their houses cold. Next, they would dress up in costume and parade around the neighborhood to frighten away spirits.

The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated with a ninth-century custom called ‘souling.’ On All Souls Day, November 2, Christians would walk from village to village asking for “soul cakes.” These cakes were made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The beggars promised to say prayers on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors.

Irish immigrants brought the custom of Halloween to America in the 1840’s. This is when the Irish were fleeing their country due to a potato famine. They used to play pranks on Halloween such as tipping over outhouses and taking the hinges off of fence gates.

Here are some stories for children to read to learn more about the history of Halloween:

The Story of Halloween by Carol Greene. HarperCollins Publishers, September 2005.

This children’s book explains the traditions and the history behind the holiday of Halloween that we celebrate today. The holiday began more than 2,000 years ago, but it did not resemble our modern day celebration. This book also contains Halloween riddles and pumpkin art ideas.

A Halloween Reader: Poems, Stories, and Plays from Halloweens Past by Lesley Pratt. Pelican Publishing Company, Inc., August 2004.

This anthology contains stories and poems of writers from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Some of the stories are joyous and others are solemn. Some of the featured writers include: William Butler Yeats, Robert Burns, and James Joyce.

Halloween by Jennifer Blizin Gillis. Heinemann Library, October 2003.

This book begins by showing readers the Halloween they know and then explains the history of this holiday. Kids will learn that candy was not involved in early celebrations of Halloween. Americans have put their own spin on a holiday with Celtic and Roman history. Colorful photographs complement the text.