Molly Bang is the incredible author of many picture books, including When Sophie Gets Angry, The Paper Crane, Goose, and My Light. Click on the titles of any of her books on the site and she tells you about how the book came about and discusses the type of art she created to go with the story. A wonderful chance to gain some insight into a talented author and illustrator’s work.
Month: June 2005
Witch's Boy
Witch’s Boy by Michael Gruber is one of my favorites so far this year. From the compelling cover to the imaginative story, I was entranced. When the story begins, it seems a little hum-drum, but read a few more pages and you realize that you are going to see a portrayal of a witch that has never before been seen. A witch with personality and maternal feelings who struggles to show her son her love, but eventually manages to prove many times over the strength of her devotion. And then Lump, the witch’s son, who is spoiled rotten, used by a demon, tortured by humans, and much more must overcome his upbringing and his temperament to discover what his mother has given him.
My favorite part of the book was the witch’s unique take on well-known fairy tales. Wonderfully done!
This is one of those books that you can give to those good pre-teen readers, even though we have it in our YA collection. It has no language and no sex. But the story is deep, dark and follows Lump into adulthood. Push this engrossing story on fantasy lovers, though Lump’s yellow stare from the cover may draw them in as well.
Jeanne DuPrau
Jeanne DuPrau’s Official Web Site offers a glimpse into the humor and personality of this author of The City of Ember and The People of Sparks.
Book Buds
Book Buds Kidlit Reviews is a blog that features reviews of recent children’s books by two journalist mommies. It is a lot of fun to find a newly recommended book in your RSS feed!
A Chair, A Fireplace and a Tea Cozy
A Chair, A Fireplace and a Tea Cozy is a blog that focuses on teen books, reading, and TV shows like Buffy, Veronica Mars, and Forever Knight. Written by the same librarian that does Pop Goes the Library, this looks to be a blog filled with personality as well as great book recommendations.
Guardian Longlist
The longlist for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2005 has been released.
Via ACHOCKABLOG.
Wisconsin Library Association Awards
Unfortunately, I can’t find a link to the press release online, and it is not up on the WLA website yet:
The Wisconsin Library Association has announced the winners of
the 2005 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award: Kevin Henkes for Kitten’s First Full Moon.
the Outstanding Books of 2005:
With Courage and Cloth by Ann Bausum, Godless by Pete Hautman, and Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Seth
and the 2005 Notable Author Award:
S.D. Schindler.
Sir Paul Writes a Book
CNN.com – McCartney writes children’s book called High in the Clouds: An Urban Furry Tale. It will be released this October by Penguin. The book was inspired by an animated film that McCartney worked on called Tropic Island Hum.
Fabulous Fiction
Fabulous Fiction opens with “Eye of the Tiger” playing and lots of flashy graphics. The site is for kids who dislike reading, offering suggestions in different genres. Unfortunately, each genre features only two well-known authors, but the message boards are active and filled with additional suggestions. Visitors are also able to write reviews of books.
Waking Brain Cells 