Travis Jonker
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‘The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown’ A Q&A with Mac Barnett and Sarah Jacoby
There’s a new book out about children’s literature legend Margaret Wise Brown. Today I talk with the author, Mac Barnett, and the illustrator, Sarah Jacoby, about how this book came to together. First up, Mr. Barnett Hi Mac! Margaret Wise Brown. MWB. When did it first occur to you that you should write a bio […]
A 2020 Newbery/Caldecott Check In
Every once in a while, I sneak over to the Goodreads Mock Newbery and Caldecott lists to see what books are getting attention. While the lists are open to voting by any Goodreads user (so DEFINITELY take them with a grain of salt), they are sometimes fairly accurate (although the 2019 Caldecott list didn’t fare […]
One Star Review Guess Who? (#87)
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? I sat through enough pee and poop references without flinching until page 129 where one officer holds up a pile of poop in his hand and then another officer instinctively high-fives the hand full of poop creating a huge […]
Endangered Series #12: Arthur
Popularity comes, popularity goes. As librarians we’re always balancing between what will circulate like crazy and what we need to have in the collection. And we’re not the Library of Congress – we can’t (and shouldn’t) keep everything. An endangered series is one that appears to be waning in terms of popularity. But popularity isn’t everything. Should it […]
Review: Tropical Terry by Jarvis
Tropical Terry By Jarvis Candlewick Press ISBN: 9781536205466 $16.99 Grades PreK-1 Out May 14, 2019 Find it at: Schuler Books | Your Library Books with fish on the cover make me wince (save for one notable exception). I’ve just been spurned too many times. I don’t know, there’s something about a colorful underwater setting that […]
One Star Review Guess Who? (#86)
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? what was the moral of it? “Don’t eat before you sow?” “Never lose sight of your mother?” “If a bear follows you don’t panic but talk to it?” “Berries will help you survive the winter?” Click here for the […]
Morning Notes: Shrek Obstacle Course Edition
PICTURE BOOKS ARE SHOCKINGLY GREAT I love them too, kid. I love them too. I CAN PLAY THE TUBA Ann Patchett, well-known for her books for adults, has written a picture book. I’m always fascinated to hear how authors who write for grown-ups end up writing for kids. Patchett’s story begins with a chance encounter […]
I Have Arrived. Aaaand I Left Again.
When I left school on Friday, I was on top of the world. I had just received official word from the publisher that The Very Last Castle had reached the #1 spot . . . . . . of my school library. Suddenly, I noticed I was holding my head a little higher. My chest, […]
One Star Review Guess Who (#85)
Can you guess the classic children’s book by its scathing one-star review on Goodreads or Amazon? I admit – I’ve given up. It’s back at the library, unfinished yet again. Clearly this is not my cup of tea – no offense, Bilbo. Click here for the answer. Why do I share these? Click here. Previously […]