Digital Spy says that JK Rowling has confirmed in an interview with Tatler Magazine that she has completed a non-Harry Potter book for children.
“It is what Rowling describes as a “political fairy story” about a monster and is aimed at children younger than those who read Harry Potter.”

The Boston Globe has an article: A storybook beginning on the recent winner of the National Book Award, Jeanne Birdsall. Her first novel, The Penderwicks, is an old-fashioned tale set on Cape Cod. The article tells about Birdsall’s personal story. A series of installments following The Penderwicks are in the works.

Living with Harry Potter is an interview on BBC Radio 4 with J K Rowling. The interview is wonderfully conducted by Stephen Fry, who reads the books on the audio versions in the UK. Rowling speaks about the value of scaring children in books, how the audio books have affected her writing, the secret ending, and much more. Wonderful stuff!
And I must admit I am very jealous that the radio in England plays Harry Potter books as treats around Christmas time. What a wonderful gift for children.

Wausau Daily Herald – Kids’ book illustrator creates books that pop is an article on Robert Sabuda, one of the great artists of pop-up books. My favorite part of the article is the end where he says:
“Parents are busy. They want time with their kids to be well spent. … There’s greater attention to children’s books now as a backlash to the technology in kids’ lives. Parents feel the need to give an alternative to all the media saturation.”

Sad news that Children’s book creator Stan Berenstain dies at age 82. He and his wife have written more than 200 Berenstain Bear books.

Wisconsin Identification Record 2004 is compiled by the CCBC and lists Wisconsin authors and illustrators who do children’s books. This is a great resource for librarians in the state who are looking to book an author and can immediately see who lives nearby.

The Wisconsin State Journal has an interview with Walter Dean Myers focusing on his new book The Autobiography of My Dead Brother, why he became a writer and the responsibility of authors for young people.

Tony DiTerlizzi’s IMAGINOPOLIS is the new official site for this author of the Spiderwick Chronicles and my favorite, Ted. It has news, information about Tony, shop, and FAQ. But best of all it has a glimpse into his art process and a books section where you too can download Ted wallpaper for your computer.

Julie Hearn, author of The Merrybegot or The Minister’s Daughter in the US, has a site with information on her books, a FAQ, her writing, and appearances.