Jumbotron: predictable. In an exercise in patience (and awesomeness), illustrator Sam Zupparti proposed to his girlfriend in the most unexpected way – in the pages of his debut picture book. Click here to read.

(Thanks to Publishers Weekly for the link)

To add a number or to not add a number – that is the librarian’s question. At the excellent children’s librarian blog So Tomorrow, Anne talks slapping number stickers on series books – something I know you’ve thought about. Click here to read.

It’s always a thrill to see artwork from children’s literature legends up for sale. I know I’m not getting it, but someone is, which makes me happy. Swann Auction Galleries has a big one coming up, with original work from Sendak, Seuss, Schulz, and more. Click here to read.

Thanks to Scholastic Book Clubs tumblr for the link)

Here’s why For Those About to Mock is the best children’s lit blog to come out in the last year:

Plus they post Google chats naming their “Top Tier” and “Second Tier” of Newbery candidates. Click here to read.

The Horn Book used haiku to describe some well-known children’s books. This has Poetry Month activity written all over it. Click here to read.

The Nerdy Book Club blog never sleeps. Aside from a post a day, team nerdy also whipped up their favorite books of 2012 (voted on by readers). You really can’t go wrong with these selections. Check out the winners in the categories of Middle Grade Fiction, Nonfiction, Nonfiction Picture Books, Poetry, Graphic Novels, Early Readers, Picture Books

In “I’m late to the party” news, the Cybils shortlists have been announced. And they’re good…real good, folks. I was a member of the fiction picture books category and an excited by our group. Click here to read.

And for one last look back, don’t miss the best of 2012 lists from the legendary Waking Brain Cells blog. Picture Books, Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels.

NPR looks at the unique book culture of Iceland – it’s all about Christmas. Click here to read.

(Thanks to my brother for the link)

http://boingboing.net/2013/01/07/ladder-as-horizontal-bookshelf.html

Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli appeared on Morning Edition recently to talk about his new book Hokey Pokey, which received a glowing review from Educating Alice. Click here to listen.

(Thanks to EarlyWord for the link)

I’ve been loving the blog Calling Caldecott as they work their way through candidates for the big award. And hey, how about some nonfiction getting in the mix? I’d pump a fist to that. Click here to read.

Editors at Scholastic listed 10 trends on the rise in 2013. Click here to read.