If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that predictions are useless. And yet, we are human. We try anyway. I give this year’s crop of books the once over, and come up with some ideas. Let’s see if you agree.
Review of the Day: The Talk, edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson
October 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Pitch perfect in tone and content, this is supposedly the book that will help all parents talk to their kids. In truth? This also is the book that will help KIDS talk to their parents. It’s a two-way street and everybody’s driving.
Unexpected Jolts of Children’s Literature
October 20, 2020 by 3 Comments
Periodically I will notice, note, and eventually post about books for adults that have some tangential (or even overt) relationship to children’s literature. Today’s the day!
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Stranger by Chris Van Allsburg
October 19, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Every year I have to come up with spooky classic picture books, and today’s was a recommendation from one of our fans (that would be our mom). It’s less spooky than it is autumnal, but that’s okay.
In Which the Blogger Conducts an Interview with a MacArthur Fellow (Hint: It’s Jackie Woodson!)
October 15, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Who illustrated her first book? What does her new puppy look like? What’s she working on now?And how will she spend her MacArthur grant money? (Spoiler Alert: It’s an incredible answer) I talk to Jacqueline Woodson about all manner of things.
Andreao and Elliotto Presento Sharko and Hippo: A Comic Interview
October 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Two yuksters yuk it up. If you’re a fan of hijinks, the Marx Brothers, and general silliness, you’re probably not going to want to miss this illustrated interview between the creators of Shark & Hippo.
Spread a Little Sunshine: A Classic Returns and an Interview with Barbara Bemelmans
October 13, 2020 by 2 Comments
“I never remember him sitting around in his pajamas with no plans for the day.” I interview Barbara Bemelmans, daughter of Ludwig Bemelmans (creator of Madeline), about the republication of a near forgotten classic.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: Special Guest Christian McKay Heidicker and The Spooky Old Tree by the Berenstains
October 12, 2020 by Leave a Comment
When I heard that Newbery Honor winner Christian McKay Heidicker considered Spooky Old Tree a seminal text, I not only knew what our next book was going to be, I knew exactly who should be our next guest!
Are You There, God? It’s Me, a Historical Novel. Margaret Turns 50
October 8, 2020 by 6 Comments
Judy Blume’s third book turns 50 this year so I propose something a little crazy. How about we release an edition of I propose an edition of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret set . . . in 1970?
Writing for the Least Boring People She Knows: Annie Barrows Talks Iggy
October 7, 2020 by Leave a Comment
“Grownups are delicate and easily upset.” Annie Barrows comes to the blog and her words are like a breath of fresh air. We talk about her Iggy books and why kids that would lick a goldfish on a dare if you ask them to, are a delight. Funniest interview you’ll read all day.
Review of the Day: The Girl and the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf
October 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment
A book that shows in the most eloquent way possible how family trauma lives on, from generation to generation, taking shape, forming us one way or another. The elements that make a great novel for children aren’t difficult to understand. Hanna Alkaf has laid them out for you.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg
October 4, 2020 by 1 Comment
It’s October so that means spooky season has officially begun! I introduce Kate to one of my favorite eerie classics. It’s pure unfiltered Steven Kellogg. Let’s see what she makes of him.
Press Release Fun: Nominate 2020 Titles for the Green Earth Book Award!
October 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment
The Nature Generation is accepting nominations for the national 2021 Green Earth Book Award October 1 through December 15, 2020.
Review of the Day: A Thousand No’s by D.J. Corchin, ill. Dan Dougherty
October 1, 2020 by 3 Comments
If you think the process of creation is sometimes painful and collaborative and ultimately fun, this book is the first that I’ve ever seen to express that idea. You want to get to yes? Then you gotta slog through no.
Meeting a Need: An Interview with Christine Mapondera-Talley, Founder of Global Kidz House
September 30, 2020 by 1 Comment
“I want my children and their friends to be able to read stories set in a big city like Lagos, Nigeria, a small-town high school in Norton, Zimbabwe, a suburban playground in Cairo, Egypt, a beach town or even a rural town anywhere.” A talk with Christine Mapondera-Talley, founder of the publisher Global Kidz House.
Recent Comments