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Hmmm.

The blog lists the Children's Book Council under "support." Do you think that means Titlepage.tv will feature a few children's and YA authors in their online "passionate conversations about books"?

If they do, I hope it's later on, when the show has worked out its kinks. Look at this detailed critique of the first episode...

I'm not much of an intrepid reporter, so I hope Fuse 8 is on this. Or maybe Colleen, since she writes for Bookslut, and they're also listed on the blogroll. Betsy, Colleen, any idea why the CBC is sponsoring this? Bring us the scoop!

In the meantime, if you need a really superb interview, the old-fashioned, written way: Anita Loughrey (via cynsations) talks to Leonard Marcus, one of my heroes. I love this man, and I love him more after this interview.

NOTE TO SELF: WHEN IS CHRISTMAS NOT CHRISTMAS? WHEN IT'S NOT "PC"


Once again as has occurred in the past, Christmas has become a politically un-acceptable word.

The latest is a move by an Ottawa, Canada, elementary school's attempt to remove the word "Christmas" from the song, "Silver Bells" in their annual Christmas concert

Gimme a break!

The move has ignited a controversy that has spread across the country and probably across North America and beyond. Instead, "Frosty the Snowman" replaced "Silver Bells" sung by Grade 2 and Grade 3 students attending Elmdale Public School.

"It was a choice by the choir," said Ottawa-Carleton District School Board spokeswoman Sharlene Hunter. "The teachers are visibly and emotionally upset and don't feel they can conduct that song to the best of their ability."

Elmdale has been inundated with telephone calls and emails after the story broke about teachers at the school changing the word Christmas and replacing it with "festive" in the Christmas carol, "Silver Bells." As in: "silver bells...silver bells...it's festive time in the city..."

Ridiculous!

It's akin to the story where Australian Santas were told not to use the traditional "ho-ho-ho" laugh and use "ha-ha-ha" instead, since it was deemed offensive to women.

It makes one wonder which songs will be deemed un-politically correct in the future. Will radio stations have to bleep out unacceptable words?

"It's beginning to look a lot like festive... Everywhere you go..." or "We wish you a merry festive..."

And a Merry Christmas...um - Festive - whatever, to you too!

How Golden Books Won Children's Hearts, Changed Publishing Forever, and Became An American Icon Along the Way

Many thanks to A-HAA for the jpeg

Leonard’s reviews

... cultural organizations to offer exhibitions and programs around the theme of “Open Books.” This collaboration will provide many opportunities to consider the art of children’s book illustration and literature from many perspectives; to enjoy films based on popular children’s books; to see original art work from favorite authors and discover the work of less familiar artists; and to engage in a summer of rich reading. Collaborative offerings include the Katonah Museum of Art’s exhibition Children Should Be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture-Book Art, the Hudson River Museum's exhibition Building Books: The Art of David Macaulay, the Westchester Arts Council’s exhibition Seeing Stories: How Picture Book Artists Imagine, which highlights Westchester artists and is curated by KMA Trustees Yvonne Pollack and Jerry Pinkney; the Westchester Library System's summer program Get a Clue @ Your Library; and a series of films adapted from children’s books at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Each participating organization will offer visitors a pass that will entitle them to free admission or a member discount at the other locations.

Nick Sung

Aurelie Blard-Quintard

Marc Simont

http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/9/wherewild.php from Winter 2002/03