A Fuse #8 Production

July 2, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

Now everyone knows that Seven Impossible Things covers the magnificent illustrators of the present day (and there seems to be a never ending supply of the little buggers too).  Yet I also happen to like it when contemporary illustrators tip their hats to the little known greats of the past.  You may take issue with my saying that Abner Graboff is little known, but until I read artist Ward Jenkins's pieces on the man I was unaware of his existence.  Part One introduces the fellow to us.  ...Read More

July 2, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)

And we're back.  I must say, writing retreats live up to their expectations.  Particularly when the retreats are put together by such stellar organizers (who I would name but I'm not sure if they want to remain anonymous or not).  I headed out to Lake Champlain listening to a fine Flight of the Conchords recording ("It's business tiiiiime!") in the world's most ridiculous car.  Observe:

That would be me and my bright red Mustang.  Under normal circumstances, when I rent a car here in Manhattan, I request a compact and get something extravagant...Read More

July 1, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

Hannah's Winter
By Kierin Meehan
Kane/Miller
$15.95
ISBN: 978-1-93305-98-2
Ages 9-12
On shelves now

I run a bookgroup for homeschooled kids between the ages of 9 and 14 out of my library. They're good kids and voracious readers but they serve as a strange litmus test of what children out there are reading and enjoying today. I often will bring them new books out of curiosity and once in a while, they surprise me with their insights. For example, I got a bunch of Kane/Miller boo...Read More

June 30, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Who says press releases have to be all about upcoming books?  From the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children's Literature:

Aliki donates art to the Arne Nixon Center

Picture book author/artist Aliki has donated 21 pieces of original art—as many pictures as for one of her famous picture books—to the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at California State University, Fresno. Aliki’s colorful illustra...Read More

June 30, 2009 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)

One Fine Trade
Retold by Bobbi Miller
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Holiday House
$16.95
ISBN: 978-0-8234-1836-7
Ages 4-8
On shelves now

Folktales. Librarians love 'em. Eat 'em up like ketchup on rye, they do. Children's librarians love folktales even more than their adult brethren. When you go to library school the professors inculcate you with a deep and abiding appreciation of old-fashioned storytelling. Even if you don't kn...Read More