May 15, 2012
Maurice and Ursula
You may never have heard of Ursula Nordstrom, but if you are a lover of children's literature, you're familiar with her work. Nordstrom was the legendary children's book editor at Harper & Row in the 1940's through the 1970's, and among the books she published were Goodnight Moon, Harriet the Spy, Harold and the Purple Crayon and Little Bear. But Nordstrom was always particularly proud of first discovering, and then carefully nurturing, the talent of Maurice Sendak, who died last week. Children's Corner: Maurice Sendak and Ursula Nordstrom - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 08, 2012
Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak, who changed the face of children's literature, died today. He was 83. Maurice Sendak, Children's Author, Dies at 83 - NYTimes.com. Regarded as the most important children's creator of modern times, Sendak also created controversy with his unvarnished look at childhood. Urusula Nordstrom, Sendak's Editor, on "Wild Things," 1964 | The Awl
May 07, 2012
Children's Book Week!
This week, May 7-13, is Children's Book Week, a time to celebrate children's literature. So this week, we are asking children of all ages -- from babies (with parent's help, of course!) to centenarians -- to come in and fill out a brief form, telling us what is one of your favorite children's book and why you love it so much. Feel free to fill out multiple forms for multiple favorite books! We'll compile the results and then post them early next week. This year's Children's Book Week poster was designed by three-time Caldecott Medal winner David Wiesner. The poster is filled with beloved children's book characters. See how many you can identify: Children's Book Week 2012 Poster by David Wiesner! |
May 04, 2012
Charlotte at 60
Charlotte's Web, one of the most beloved children's books of all time turns 60 this year with a special edition, featuring an introduction by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. Corner Corner: 'Charlotte's Web' has been spinning magic for 60 years » Evansville Courier & Press
While Charlotte's Web has sold millions of copies and become a true classic, it was only a Newbery Honor book in 1953, something that is still hotly discussed in the world of children's liberature: Children's Corner: Why did 'Charlotte's Web' lose out on the Newbery Medal? » Evansville Courier & Press
April 23, 2012
The Bard's Birthday
Today is the 448th birthday of William Shakespeare -- or at least that's what scholars believe. Much of Shakespeare's life remains shrouded in mystery. But there's no mystery about Shakespeare's enduring appeal and relevance. We've got all kinds of editions of Shakespeare's work, which you'll find in 822.33, or J 822.33 for kids. For young readers, check out Tales From Shakespeare, in which master storytellers Charles and Mary Lamb detail the stories of Shakespeare's plays. (This book is also helpful for grown-ups as a way of refreshing themselves on the basic storyline before seeing a Shakespeare play). We've even got a couple of illustrated collections of Shakespeare's plays for kids; the artist who illustrated them is Marcia Williams, so just look in our all-ages comics under J 822.33 Williams. Of course, in Washington, we're also lucky to have a wonderful Shakespeare educational institution, Folger Shakespeare Library which offers regular programs about the Bard, his work and his world.
There one other famous person with a birthday today: Shirley Temple turns 84.
April 20, 2012
Calling Young Artists
A last-minute reminder that all young artists are invited to our first-ever Scribblers Cabal tomorrow, Saturday April 21, from 2-4 p.m. Our program will be led by Dave Burbank, library assistant and artist extraordinaire. Bring your drawings, some paper and pens/pencils, and prepare to have fun drawing with Dave. As ever, our program is free and open to all young artists. And, if you're looking to have more drawing fun this summer, check out Dave's Comics Jam/Scribblers Cabal program at Politics & Prose bookstore Comics Jam & Scribbler’s Cabal | Politics & Prose Bookstore
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