I’ve been watching The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt recently. So far the resident husband and I have only made it through two episodes, but I was pleased as punch when I learned that the plot twist in storyline #2 hinged on a Baby-Sitter’s Club novel. Specifically Babysitter’s Club Mystery No. 12: Dawn and the Surfer Ghost. Peter Lerangis, was this one of yours? Here’s a breakdown of the book’s plot with a healthy dose of snark, in case you’re interested.
- And now a subject that is near and dear to my heart: funny writers. Author Cheryl Blackford wrote a very good blog post on a comedic line-up of authors recently presented at The Tucson Festival of Books. Mac Barnett, Adam Rex, Jory John, Obert Skye, and Drew Daywalt were all there. A good crew, no? One small problem – we may be entering a new era where all-white male panels cannot exist without being called into question. Indeed, I remember years ago when I attended an ALA Conference and went to see a “funny authors” panel. As I recall, I was quite pleased to see the inclusion of Lisa Yee. Here, Tucson didn’t quite get the memo. The fault lies with the organizers and Cheryl has some incisive things to say about what message the attendees were getting.
- Speaking of Adam Rex, he’s got this little old major feature film in theaters right now (Home). Meanwhile in California, the Gallery Nucleus is doing an exhibition of Rex’s work. Running from March 28th to April 19th, the art will be from the books The True Meaning of Smekday and Chu’s Day. Get it while it’s hot!
- Boy, Brain Pickings just knows its stuff. There are plenty of aggregator sites out there that regurgitate the same old children’s stuff over and over again. Brain Pickings actually writes their pieces and puts some thought into what they do. Case in point, a recent piece on the best children’s books on death, grief, and mourning. The choices are unusual, recent, and interesting.
Chomping at the bit to read the latest Lockwood & Company book by Jonathan Stroud? It’s a mediocre salve but you may as well enjoy his homage to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Mind you, I was an Hercule Poirot fan born and bred growing up, but I acknowledge that that Doyle has his place. And don’t tell Stroud, but his books are FAR closer to the Nero Wolfe stories in terms of tone anyway.
Over at The Battle of the Books the fighting rages on. We’ve lost so many good soldiers in this fight. If you read only one decision, however, read Nathan Hale’s. Future judges would do well to emulate his style. Indeed, is there any other way to do it?
You may be one of the three individuals in the continental U.S. who has not seen Travis Jonker’s blog post on The Art of the Picture Book Barcode. If you’re only just learning about it now, boy are you in for a treat.
- I was fully prepared to ignore the recent New Yorker piece Children’s Books for the One Per Cent. But I have to give a couple points for this title:
“Really? Rosé?”
That one took some thought.
- Daily Image:
And now, the last and greatest flashdrive you will ever own:
Could just be a librarian thing, but I think I’m right in saying it reeks of greatness. Many thanks to Stephanie Whelan for the link.
I love the Nero Wolfe connection with Lockwood & Co. so true and I love the Nero Wolfe books (actually prefer them to Poirot)
The buzz about BSC references in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt mayyyyy have played a role in my recent decision to join Netflix. I mean, Tina Fey was involved too. But BSC references!
Me too, though I enjoy both for different reasons.
Oh that wasn’t my review style–I was reviewing in the old Iron Chef judge style, breaking the books down to separate battles. Glad you liked it! My poor winning book is already dead.
But, Nathan, maybe it will come back from the dead — find out tomorrow! (Love knowing you were using Iron Chef methods for your decision.) (Monica, one third of the BOB Battle Commander.)
BSC on UKS? Whaat? I will have to be the last person I know to start watching this. And so should that Mystery ghost, I suspect. Paging Ellen Miles!
Seriously?! Someone didn’t tell you before me? Heck, if I’d been the showrunner I would have called you in your very home. Now wondering about Ellen. You’d better break the news to her gently, Peter.