Children’s literature author and illustrators visit Sandy Hook Elementary School; attendees gather in New York City for Book^2 Camp.
Pictures of the Week: Kid Lit Authors, Illustrators at Sandy Hook; Book^2 Camp Conference
By on February 15, 2013 Leave a Comment
The Man Behind Clifford: An interview with the Big Red Dog’s creator, Norman Bridwell
By on February 5, 2013 Leave a Comment
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the first Clifford book, Clifford the Big Red Dog. How big is he? Very big. More than 126 million Clifford books are in print in 13 languages. And an animated Clifford TV series is in its 12th season on PBS Kids. Earlier this year, I spoke to Norman Bridwell about his remarkable career.
Author Julie Kagawa Signs Major Multibook Deal for Harlequin Teen
By on February 4, 2013 Leave a Comment
Harlequin has announced the signing of New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Julie Kagawa to a major multibook deal for a new series (her third for Harlequin Teen), which will feature mythical creatures in a contemporary setting. Natashya Wilson, Harlequin Teen’s executive editor, secured world rights and will edit the series. Laurie McLean, a senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents, brokered the deal.
Consider the Source: Changing on the Fly
By on January 30, 2013 Leave a Comment
In his latest “Consider the Source” column, Marc Aronson compares recent developments in digital publishing to hockey’s “change on the fly” technique.
As Tablets Supplant Ereaders, New Challenges Arise for Publishers
By on January 17, 2013
Sixty percent of publishing executives believe that tablets have become “the ideal reading platform,” and 45 percent believe that dedicated e-readers will soon be irrelevant, according to a recent online, by-invitation survey conducted by global research and advisory firm Forrester.
Life After Death: Susin Nielsen’s tenderhearted novel, ‘The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen,’ explores the aftermath of a school shooting | Under Cover January 2013
By on January 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Canadian novelist Susin Nielsen talks about her novel The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, which explores the aftermath of a high school shooting.
Apply Now for the 2013 Innovations in Reading Prize
By on December 19, 2012 Leave a Comment
Each year, the National Book Foundation awards a number of prizes of up to $2,500 each to individuals and institutions—or partnerships between the two—that have developed innovative means of creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading. This is the fifth year that the Foundation is offering the 2013 Innovations in Reading Prize, sponsored by Levenger. Wouldn’t you know it? One of the 2012 winners, Bookends (Poudre River Public Library District, CO), found out about the competition right here, in SLJTeen.
Pictures of the Week: The Dedication of St. John the Divine as Literary Landmark; Holiday House’s Spring Preview
By on December 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
Hope Larson and Leonard S. Marcus autograph books at the dedication of Saint John the Divine as a Literary Landmark in honor of Madeleine L’Engle, and SLJ Book Review editor Trev Jones at the Holiday House Spring preview.
Pictures of the Week: Libba Bray Performs at Soho Teen Launch Party; Jerry Spinelli Discusses his Latest Novel
By on November 30, 2012 Leave a Comment
Author Libba Bray performed with her band Tiger Beat at the Soho Teen launch party, and Newbery award winner Jerry Spinelli discussed his newest book, Hokey Pokey, with librarians.
Interview: Harlan Coben on His YA “Mickey Bolitar” Series and More
By on November 29, 2012 Leave a Comment
Best-selling author Harlan Coben is the only mystery writer to have won the Edgar Award, the Shamus Award, and the Anthony Award. Last year, Coben dove into the world of YA with Shelter, the first novel in his “Mickey Bolitar” series (Putnam). SLJ spoke with the Newark, New Jersey-born author about his new teen protagonist and his Jersey roots.
A Call for Fair Ebook Pricing: Site-based pricing has small schools overcharged
By on November 26, 2012
Christopher Harris shares his thoughts on how rural districts—with an average size of 1,100 students and less than half the budget of the average New York school district—are, in effect, subsidizing the state’s large, wealthy, suburban systems, which are purchasing the same content at the same cost per building.
Penguin, Random House Merger Is On
By on October 29, 2012
Just days after word broke that a Penguin/Random House merger was a possibly, it’s nearly a done deal. The companies announced they’re creating a joint venture, pending regulatory approval.
Pictures of the Week: Book Launch Party for Margaret Willey
By on October 12, 2012 2 Comments
Author Margaret Willey at the Bookman bookstore in Grand Haven, MI at a Book Launch Party for her recent novel Four Secrets, on September 27.
KidLitCon 2012: Critical Reviewing in the Age of Twitter
By on October 1, 2012 3 Comments
Facebook, Twitter, and blogs have made authors and book reviewers more visible—but have they also suppressed genuine literary criticism? Several book bloggers gathered at the New York Public Library September 29 for a KidLitCon 2012 panel discussion entitled “How Nice is Too Nice?: Critical Book Reviewing in the Age of Twitter” to explore the impact of social media on the book industry.
Colorado Media Specialist Takes Library Fight To The Road
By on September 28, 2012 Leave a Comment
When it comes to advocacy, school librarian Mike McQueen plays it big—wrapping his RV with stickers and signs to encourage his community of Jefferson County, CO, to vote in favor of two bond measures and save school libraries.
Pictures of the Week: The 2012 Eric Carle Honors Gala
By on September 28, 2012 Leave a Comment
SLJ contributing editor Rocco Staino and children’s book expert Anita Silvey at the Eric Carle Honors Gala in New York City on September 20. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art honors several authors and illustrators every year.
Penguin to Launch Kathy Dawson Imprint Targeting Middle School, YA Readers
By on September 21, 2012 2 Comments
Keep an eye out for a new imprint that aims to deliver novels and series with hard-hitting issues that reflect the real lives of middle schoolers and young adults. Kathy Dawson, who was vice president and editorial director at Dial Books for Young Readers, is launching her own imprint, which will center around “emotionally-driven” books from various genres that focus on the human condition.
Editor Patti Lee Gauch Talks About the State of the Picture Book
By on September 19, 2012 2 Comments
What’s the secret behind a successful picture book? Although the best ones are often informational, they’re also mischievous, subversive, and exhilarating, says Patti Lee Gauch, a former editorial director at Philomel Books who has edited three Caldecott-winning books.
Pictures of the Week: ‘Molly by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, American’s First Female Firefighter’ Book Launch Party
By on September 6, 2012 1 Comment
Author Dianne Ochiltree and Fire Captain Susan Peterson, the first female firefighter in Sarasota, FL, at a book launch party for Molly by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter (Calkins Creek, 2012).
New Comics Make Their Debut at San Diego Comic-Con
By on August 13, 2012 1 Comment
The cliché about Comic-Con International is that it isn’t about comics any more, but that’s not really true. While the cameras focused on people waiting in line to see the cast of Doctor Who or paying $75 to be chased through an obstacle course by zombies from The Walking Dead, the media largely overlooked a bustling comics and graphic novel scene. About 130,000 people came to this year’s event, held July 11–15 at the San Diego Convention Center.
