June 22nd, 2010

INTERVIEW

• Maggie Bush: Librarian Extraordinaire
  Beginning as a children's librarian at the New York Public Library, Maggie Bush has devoted almost 50 years to providing exceptional library service to children. Last June, she became Professor Emeritus at Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science, which created a youth services scholarship in her honor. And now she's heading to the American Library Association's (ALA) annual conference in Washington, DC, to receive the Association for Library Services to Children's (ALSC) Distinguished Service Award, given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to library service to children and ALSC.
  
  How long have you been a member of ALSC?
  
  This is my 48th year as a member.   more » » » 

NEWS

• Sixty–Two Percent of Kids Report Negative Online Experience, Report Says
  Almost two thirds of children around the globe have had a negative online experience–from downloading a virus to getting scammed–yet only 45 percent of parents realize this, says a new study from the Norton Family Online Report.
  
  Researchers surveyed 2,800 kids and more than 7,000 adults in 14 countries about their online lives and experiences. They found that although parents are aware of the increased amount of time their kids spend on the Web and what they're doing online, caregivers underestimate the extent to which children download games, music, and video. And that's a problem because these activities are ways that kids are exposed to inappropriate content and are encouraged to disclose personal details.   more » » » 
• More Adults Talk, Text While Driving Than Teens
  If adults are supposed to set a good example, they're certainly not doing so when it comes to driving, says a new report. Grown-ups are just as likely as teens to text-and more likely to talk on the phone-while behind the wheel.
  
  A new survey by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project also finds that 49 percent of adults say they've been passengers in a car when the driver was sending or reading text messages on their cell phone. And 44 percent of adults say they've been passengers of drivers who used their cell phones in a way that put themselves or others in danger. About the same number of teens say they've also experienced both.   more » » » 

Watch and read

• Avatar: The Last Airbender: From Cartoon to Feature Film
  During their three-season run on Nickelodeon's award-winning animated TV series, the likable young Aang (otherwise known as the Avatar) and his mostly tween- and teenage friends have faced challenges both minute and monumental and earned quite a fan following. Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) features charismatic characters, an inviting scenario influenced by Asian art and mythology, martial arts-inspired action sequences, and an epic-scale overarching plot. Now these successful storytelling elements have been adapted into a live-action feature film. Written, produced, and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Last Airbender (not yet rated), from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, arrives in theaters on July 1, 2010, in both traditional and 3D formats.   more » » » 

REMARKABLE READS

• Independence
  Limited language skills and strong emotions can make the path toward autonomy rather bumpy for children, but by providing just the right amount of support and challenge, you can nurture their drive toward self-reliance. Independence boosts self-esteem and maturity, so use these titles to help children realize their full potential, learn that it's okay to make mistakes, and that it's always okay to ask for help.   more » » » 

LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET

• Double Summer Fun
  www.paulysplayhouse.com/paulys_playhouse/games/hermies.html
  
  tv.disney.go.com/playhouse/mickeymouseclubhouse/activities/
  treasurehunt.html
  
  Two treasure hunt-style online adventures. "Hermie Heckles' Fun House" is designed for kids ages 7-10. The premise: kids are in Hermie Heckles' funhouse and they need to find a way out. Kids need to find the hidden keys, unlock the doors, and then figure out how to use all the keys to unlock the final door. Be sure to supply earphones or turn your computer speakers on. If kids get stumped they can always sneak a peek at the "Clue Book" found in the lower left corner of the screen.   more » » » 

JOB OF THE WEEK