DLTK’s Printable Crafts for Kids
This is one of the sites I use often for printing out coloring pages and activities for kids at the storytime programs. It is a fast, easy way to find a printable you need.

A couple sites for shows on PBS for kids.
George Shrinks
Liberty’s Kids

Laura Bush Promotes America With Books
“U.S. first lady Laura Bush on Tuesday took a diplomatic charm offensive to the Kremlin, where she promoted American values using popular children’s books.”
[Via Library Link of the Day]

USATODAY.com – Tech use gives young people sense of accomplishment
This article reports on a study of young people’s use of technology. The study showed that children ages 8-17 use technology not only to fit in with their peers, but more importantly for their own self esteem as people who understand and use technology. It “gives them a sense of mastery” and “allows them to explore new skills.”
The article concludes with this list:
Here are some other notable results from a new survey about young people who use the Internet from Child’s Play Communications and Insight Research Group:
• 71 percent say they use the Internet to keep up with “what’s cool.”
• 65 percent say they feel better about themselves after playing games online.
• 47 percent say they feel better about themselves after online chats.
• 48 percent say they are proud of their abilities to burn music CDs

LISNews.com — Madonna’s Children’s Book Tops the List
Ugh! With all the bad reviews, it still makes number one?

Gail Gibbons
Official site for this author of nonfiction for children. She has written so many wonderful books, and having a son who reads nonfiction more than fiction, I have read stacks of them!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (0-375-82273-9)
Enter an incredibly detailed world filled with decay and darkness, the City of Ember. Ember is a city surrounded by darkness and the people of Ember are starting to realize that the generator is failing and their supplies are running out. Are they the only people in the world?
When Lina, a 12-year-old girl, and her friend Doon, a 12-year-old boy discover a message from the past, will they be able to decipher it before the lights go out forever?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and how lovingly detailed it was. The characters were believable and fallable. Though the two main characters are of opposite sexes, there is not even a touch of romance, which a lot of kids this age will appreciate. I would recommend it to most boys and girls, since though it could be considered fantasy, it reads more like general fiction. Lovers of fantasy will enjoy it as well. A sequel is in the works.

Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature
Over 4000 records from 50 children’s literature awards from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. What a collection of resources!

Mary Jane Auch’s Home Page is called Poultry in Motion. She has Eggciting Events, biographical information, questions from kids, and even more to point and cluck on.