School Library Journal is now doing podcasts with their School Library 2.0 Webcast series.  Currently there are five webcasts you can listen to and more are on the way.  Enjoy learning about blogs, wikis, podcasting, gaming, LibraryThing, and Library 2.0. 

A Readable Feast is a blog on the ClubMom MomBlogs site.  It is authored by Anne-Marie Nichols, a mother and freelance writer.  Recently she has had a few Halloween books to recommend along with recipes and crafts to go along with them.  Very nice! 

One Laptop Per Child is something you have probably all heard of.  But did you know that the laptops were going to be this CUTE!  Looks like they will have the same appeal as iPods do with their slick and friendly design.  Genius!  Their site has all sorts of information on the project with a wiki, FAQ, press releases, people involved, and much more.  But really, don’t you just want to visit for more photos of the laptop itself?

Kane/Miller Publishers have created their own Squidoo lens.  If you don’t know about Squidoo and lenses, the easiest way to learn about them is to visit one.  They gather sites, articles and online resources from all over the Internet and place them into the easy-to-use interface.  This lens features their books, links to blogs that review them, a poll for the favorite book of theirs, quotes from their books, a map to their offices, and much more. 

Yesterday, Kathleen Dunn on Wisconsin Public Radio had a great program on the importance of school librarians in our public schools and to our students.  (It is the second program listed for 9/21/2006).  The shortage of school librarians was also discussed along with what the state should consider doing about it.  Lots of very passionate calls from school librarians makes it very interesting listening.

ALA announced that author Meg Cabot has recorded public service announcements for Teen Read Week.  The announcements are available in mp3 format and are for libraries to use to promote Teen Read Week locally.  You can find the PSAs at the Teen Read Week site. 

ComingSoon.net has the news that the trailer for Eragon has been released online.  Get your browser warmed up and head over to Moviefone to see it.   An exciting glimpse into the film, it is definitely one to share with teens looking forward to December. 

MotherReader has challenged all of us to come up with a list of top five books for various ages.  What fun!  These are my faves of what I have read so far this year:

PICTURE BOOKS

Dizzy by Jonah Winter
An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston
For You Are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane
Meow Ruff by Joyce Sidman
Summer Is Summer by Phillis and David Gershator

ELEMENTARY

Desperate Journey by Jim Murphy
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins
Henrietta, There’s No One Better by Martine Murray
Rules by Cynthia Lord

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Anatopsis by Chris Abouzeid
Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley
Clay by David Almond
Corydon and the Island of Monsters by Tobias Druitt
Sweet Thang by Allison Whittenberg

HIGH SCHOOL

Monster Blood Tattoo by D. M. Cornish
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Ptolemy’s Gate by Jonathan Stroud
Rash by Pete Hautman
Wait for Me by An Na

The picture book and teen ones were easy for me this year, but I struggled with the elementary books.  Looks like I need to read more of those!

Beyond the Blackstump is one of the sites I visit to discover new places online.  It is an Australian directory of sites.  So imagine my surprise as I read the updates for September 3rd and discovered that they included this blog!  What a treat to see it listed and recommended.  I just love these little web shocks as I surf around.