JK Q AND A

Sometimes fully-formed websites pop up and I’m left wondering “Where did this come from?” That’s been my reaction to Brightly. Looking into the matter, I see that it’s a Penguin Random House operation. But they’re covering books from other publishers – now I’m confused again! While I try to sort this out, take a look at this fine Q&A with Jon Klassen, where he talks about illustrating Pax. Click here to read.

OLD ENTHUSIASM

Last weekend at the Evanston Public Library I took part in a Literary Salon with John Schumacher and Colby Sharp, organized by Betsy Bird. *Attention people in the market for a moderator* Betsy Bird is as good as they come. Not only did she keep the conversation flowing even as I threatened to bring things to a halt every time I grabbed the mic, but she ALSO came up with a Kate DiCamillo themed drinking game name at the drop of a hat (Because of Gin Dixie). Click here to watch.

IN MOVIE NEWS…

The books Wonder and The One and Only Ivan will forever be linked in my mind. They came out the same year. They both topped the bestseller list forever. Now they both have film versions coming out. This week brought news about both productions: Ivan has a director and Wonder cast some small potatoes actress to play Auggie’s mother:

For children’s literature aficionados, is there anything better than a new episode of Philip and Erin Stead’s interview series Number Five Bus Presents… ? This time out, Phil talks with Sidewalk Flowers illustrator Sydney Smith. Click here to read.

Gotta love the Mrs. Frizzle graffiti in this men's room. pic.twitter.com/GsZmggaGpi

— Dan Gemeinhart (@DanGemeinhart) May 7, 2016

Magic School Bus graffiti? Is this a thing? My sincere hope is that series illustrator Bruce Degen goes out and tags in his spare time.

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers puts out some good videos. For example, you say? How about this one, with Floyd Cooper.