Wow, I did not see that coming!  I am very pleasantly surprised.  What a lovely choice!

Katherine Paterson has written some of my favorite children’s books.  Note to self: must include at least one in my list for Fuse #8’s Top 100 Children’s Fiction. 

I adore two of her books in particular.  One from the 1980s, Jacob Have I Loved has so much going for it.  Rivalry, drama, tension, complex family relationships and beautiful writing that can carry such a strong story with ease.

The other is Paterson’s latest, The Day of the Pelican, which speaks to the plight of modern refugees.  It is a thin volume with such an important story.  You can see my review here.

Congratulations to Ms. Paterson may she reign with the same heroism and strength we see in her novels. 

First, let’s all be pronouncing his name correctly, which I hadn’t been for years and years until I listened to this. 

Jon brings such a manic glee and joy to children’s literature.  As a children’s librarian many years ago, I loved putting his books into the hands of skeptical older children and seeing their faces light up when they read the first pages.  There was an instant kinship, a connection, a silliness.  His books are infectious in the very best way.   Ideally shared with others, they spread viral laughter everywhere.

Better than handing the books to children was to get the opportunity to read them aloud to third through fifth graders.  Those grades where pulling a picture book out of your bad draws groans and an assumption that you don’t understand them.  A misapprehension that disappears as it is replaced with delight.

They are part of my never-fail pile, my go-to books that speak to everyone and light up the room.

So Bravo Jon Scieszka.  Bravo!

Very sad news that the incredible author Norma Fox Mazer has lost her battle with brain cancer.

Thank you to Julie Larios at Jacket Knack.

I am sorry to tell of the sad news of Karla Kuskin’s death at age 77.  She was the author of fifty books for children and winner of many honors. 

My favorite of her books is The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, illustrated by Marc Simont.  It’s from 1982 and I knew many teachers who used it in their classrooms annually.  Lovely musical stuff.

I also really enjoyed Traces her recent book with Paula Fox which looks at the traces left behind by animals and objects.  Again, just lovely.

Anthony Browne is the new British Children’s Laureate.  He is taking over from Michael Rosen and is the 6th person to hold the position.  Known for his gorillas, Browne has published nearly 40 titles.  In 2000, Browne was the first British children’s author to win the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.  Browne will be laureate for 2 years. 

What a wonderful choice!  You can check out some of his work in an online gallery.  I look forward to seeing what he brings to this unique role.