To PG-13?
A look at the different turn the new Harry Potter film is taking from the first two. With a new director, a different type of story, and perhaps a PG-13 rating.

MSNBC – Not Just for Children
An article on the appeal of children’s material for grown ups filled with some great insights into why the crossover is happening now.
“Or maybe grown-ups like children’s entertainment simply because it’s better than their own. Since writers can’t fall back on sex, romance or profanity, the storytelling has to be dramatic and clear. Critic Francis Spufford, who reread all his childhood favorites while writing his memoir, “The Child That Books Built,” believes that kids’ books fill a need for compelling stories currently missing in adult fiction. He blames modernism for encouraging experimentation at the expense of a sound narrative. “What’s happening now is a return to the story in its strongest sense, to the primal excitement of wanting to know what happens next,” he says. Furthermore, children’s stories are more sophisticated and nuanced than they used to be, addressing adult themes like darkness, loss, sorrow and moral ambiguity.”

BCCB-2003 BLUE RIBBONS
The top picks for children’s books selected by Bulletin staff. It has a lot of books I haven’t read, but also includes some of my favorites, like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and The Dirty Cowboy.

Wow, check out the gorgeous set of covers
for the new editions of the Harry Potter series.
Via Canuck Librarian.

Reading Is Fundamental and Nestle USA Announce Winners of the 2004 RIF National Poster Contest
“The national champion is 10-year-old, fifth-grader Rebecca Galloway of Warwick, R.I., whose depiction of a child reading a book with the sun, earth and stars in the background earned her top honors.”
The press release contains a link to the poster. I love the vivid colors.

Stevens Point Journal – Trivia contest for kids puts ‘Reading First!’ Game will
Finally, a trivia game that I might have a chance of winning! Sign me up!!

Captain Kangaroo entertained, educated a generation of children
“Bob Keeshan, television’s beloved Captain Kangaroo, who entertained and educated millions of children for more than 30 years, died Friday. He was 76.”

Welcome to Reading Online
The International Reading Association presents this peer-reviewed journal that focuses on classrooms serving students aged 5-18. The site offers access to the current edition as well as a collection of articles dating back to 1997.

Wisconsin Office of the Governor – 2004 State of the State Address
Hurrah for Governor Doyle for mentioning Newbery Honor winner Kevin Henkes in his State of the State address.
“I also believe we need a major focus on literacy. Different kids have different abilities – but every child should have the chance to read.
We have here tonight a native of Racine who has dedicated his life to getting kids excited about reading. Kevin Henkes is part of Wisconsin’s proud tradition of creativity, and a winner this year of the Prestigious Newberry Honor Award for his distinguished contributions to American Literature for Children.
Last year, he was kind enough to join my wife Jessica and a group of middle school students for “Reading Day at the Residence.” Because there is no better way to encourage reading than a good book.
Kevin, thank you for your service, and let’s all work together to ensure every child has the chance to spark their imagination through reading.”