Teen Librarian Toolbox
September 30, 2014 by Betsy Bird
I don’t do all that many trendwatch posts on this site, if only because it’s impossible to keep track of them all. One minute you’re seeing tons of picture books involving whales. Another minute you’re noticing more than one book about encouraging your pet to become atheist (see this and this). If you do notice […]
September 26, 2014 by Betsy Bird
There comes a time when I have so much news for a Fusenews that it paralyzes me and rather than write one up I just let my files accrue more and more schtoof until the vicious circle ends with a massive deletion. Today some of this stuff will strike you as a bit out of […]
September 25, 2014 by Betsy Bird
I think many of us have done this at some point. You’ve picked up a favorite old children’s book to read to your own kiddos. Everything’s going smoothly and you’re all having a fabulous time. Then, WHAMMO! Surprise! It’s racist! Have no idea what I’m talking about? Well today we’re talking race and we’re talking […]
September 24, 2014 by Betsy Bird
It’s the blatant self-promotion game! Starring me! Forgive me, folks, but a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do. Don’t worry. I’ve at least one post lined up for later this week that will involve children’s books that are surprisingly racist (fun!). Until then, I’d be honored if you were so good as to […]
September 23, 2014 by Betsy Bird
Fox’s Garden By Princesse Camcam Enchanted Lion Books ISBN: 978-1-59270-167-4 $14.95 Ages 3-6 On shelves now. Have you ever read a picture book multiple times, enjoying it with each and every read, and then find later that it was wordless . . . and you didn’t even notice? Now THAT is the mark of an […]
September 21, 2014 by Betsy Bird
Howdy, folks. I have news for you. Did you have any idea that a children’s literature online show called KidLit TV was in the works? Nor did I until I stopped by Roxie Munroe’s studio the other day. She informed me that man-about-town Rocco Staino had been by with an honest-to-goodness film crew to talk […]
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September 17, 2014 by Betsy Bird
What is it about the alphabet that gives artists the license to get weird? Historically, the alphabet book is one of the earliest American children’s book forms. You know. “In Adam’s fall, we sinned all.” That kind of thing. I’m certain someone has already written, or is in the process of writing, the full-blooded history […]
September 16, 2014 by Betsy Bird
At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui By Christine Liu-Perkins Charlesbridge $19.95 978-1-58089-370-1 Ages 9-12 On shelves now When I say the word “mummy” what springs into your mind? Movies starring Brendan Fraser? Egypt and scarabs and rolls of crumbling papyrus? Absolutely. But what if I told you […]
September 15, 2014 by Betsy Bird
Now we’re in the thick of it. Do you hear that? That is the clicking ticking sound of the reanimation of the Heavy Medal and Calling Caldecott blogs. They’re a little groggy right now, trying to get their bearings, figuring out which foot to try first. But don’t be fooled by their initial speed. Very […]
September 13, 2014 by Betsy Bird
A message for school librarians: ALA is now accepting applications for the 2015 Sara Jaffarian Award. The award recognizes K-8 schools for exceptional programming in social studies, poetry, drama, art, language arts, culture, or other humanities subjects. Apply by Dec. 15 at www.ala.org/jaffarianaward. More information below. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sarah Ostman Communications Manager […]
Politics in Practice
by John Chrastka
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