tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35569657781672848162012-01-27T17:34:44.965-05:00Encouraging adults to read children's books since 2007Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.comBlogger4381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-49657002139122918032012-01-24T15:32:00.001-05:002012-01-25T06:18:36.535-05:00

After the glory yesterday of the ALA Youth Media Awards, in which we were reminded of all the quality that children's literature has to offer the world, it didn't take long to find a reminder that children's publishing at least really can be ridiculous. Last year I had a full-blown rant about plans to publish a series of board books based on great literary classics. Clearly my gnashing of teeth

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-77461744117278742212012-01-19T17:39:00.001-05:002012-01-19T17:39:59.375-05:00

.......I am discussing Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman.

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-63763950338220534462012-01-13T16:36:00.000-05:002012-01-14T12:00:37.074-05:00

I say "wrap-up" even though round two of the judging is just getting into gear. But for me, the work is done, and now there is nothing left to do but sit back and join those waiting to hear the announcement of the eventual winners. After months of reading, and weeks of debating, the Non-Fiction, Middle Grade and Young Adult panel chose six outstanding books as finalists. I don't envy the round

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-39538139871163914102012-01-11T21:41:00.000-05:002012-01-11T21:41:50.242-05:00

I have started a new blog over at Wordpress, entitled From JA to YA. It will be devoted entirely to my reading of young adult Jane Austen adaptations, biographies, and anything else which purports to introduce teens to the author. I hope you will stop by and either check on my progress or join the conversation. And if you are in the Boston area on Sunday 4 November 2012, I hope you will join

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-30493779735609198042011-12-21T16:56:00.001-05:002011-12-21T16:56:49.686-05:00

While on holiday, I've found some kiddie lit references in unusual places. I've come across Snowman toilet paper, Miffy and Mr. Men Kleenex, and Very Hungry Caterpillar cake. Fun!

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-22831719903479785482011-11-15T09:28:00.001-05:002011-11-16T05:41:14.240-05:00

New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1851 With the establishment of time and place, Krista Russell sets the stage for her debut novel, Chasing the Nightbird. This historical adventure for middle grade readers (or anyone with an interest in the history of whaling) tells the story of Lucky Valera, a fourteen year old boy who has grown up at sea, working on whaling ships with his father. After his

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-49783568025608897692011-10-21T15:08:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:08:57.516-04:00

This striking book takes a very interesting approach to the subject of hummingbirds (which, incidentally, make up the second-largest group of birds in the Americas.) It combines factual information with folktales. And quilts! When I first held this book in my hand, I felt like I was looking at one of those trick pictures with two images. When you look at the picture above, what do you see first

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-79541978926115508332011-10-08T14:41:00.000-04:002011-10-08T14:41:52.112-04:00

You know, sometimes a hat is just a hat. This recent article from The Independent references Cambridge University academic Dr. Louise Joy, who puts forth the theory that adults read childrens literature to escape the stress and demands of adult living; that they yearn for a simpler way of life, like you would find in a childrens book. Must be because being a kid is so easy, right? Her

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-11782751522045832022011-10-07T10:17:00.001-04:002011-10-07T10:17:55.167-04:00

It's that time of year again--Cybils time! I'm a little late getting this plug in (you know--life and stuff interfering with my writing) but I wanted to mention it all the same. This will be my fourth year with the Cybils. After a year as a Round Two judge, I am back as a Round One panelist, which means a whole lot of reading and hopefully lots of great recommendations for this blog. I am

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-39230375595178151112011-10-06T05:42:00.001-04:002011-10-06T08:53:34.746-04:00

Next year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. This lively novel, in which Dickens plays a supporting role--but his influence is evident throughout--is a good way to get the party started. The Cheshire Cheese Cat is about a cat who loves cheese, a mouse who loves language, a crow who loves Queen and Country, and a novelist with no opening line. The story is set in Ye

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-45805927659191309912011-09-22T06:38:00.003-04:002011-09-27T14:29:56.437-04:00

Would you deny this bear his hat? Poor Bear. He's lost his hat. Then he finds his hat! The end. A simple enough story. But read between the lines, and you will discover a book which can be appreciated as a funny read-a-loud or a sly peak through the fourth wall. I Want My Hat Back, the first picture book to have been both written and illustrated by the supremely gifted Jon Klassen, is a

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-49468020453997651262011-09-16T16:46:00.000-04:002011-09-17T10:13:00.076-04:00

I've been obsessing about the amount of attention Ted Williams gets within the realm of children's literature. Must be all those pin-striped covers I've been forced to stock over the years. I was well pleased to read Fred Bowen's No Easy Way , and I thoroughly enjoyed The Unforgettable Season by Phil Bildner, even if Williams did have to share the book with Joe Dimaggio. Now, I can look forward

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-31686381840299852732011-09-13T10:23:00.002-04:002011-09-13T10:24:46.512-04:00

A few week ago I reviewed, with much enthusiasm, the upcoming middle grade novel by Jack Gantos, Dead End in Norvelt. Well, the book is "upcoming" no more--today is release day! The kind folks at Macmillan Audio saw that review, and they sent me a copy of the audio book to give away on this blog. So, in celebration of the book's release, I invite you all to enter for a chance to win this 6 disc

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-81752470311444900732011-09-09T08:48:00.000-04:002011-09-09T08:49:09.241-04:00

As the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks approaches, I am forced to consider something I have thought about almost since that very day: how do I explain this to my daughter? She was eight months old at the time, oblivious to the knowledge that the world was changing. And now, ten years on, there is an entire generation just like her; children for whom September 11th is as much a

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42920000709721848102011-08-25T11:07:00.000-04:002011-08-25T11:07:29.618-04:00

I suppose after my tirade about the BabyLit series of board books, I would be a hypocrite if I didn't have a dig at what can only be described as this fall's geekiest offering for "the youngest reader." Well, call me a hypocrite--and completely illogical--because I am nowhere near as offended by The Star Trek Book of Opposites as I am by "Little Miss Austen's" and "Little Master Shakespeare's"

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42587345144750562252011-08-24T17:23:00.000-04:002011-08-26T06:21:07.064-04:00

My experience of Jack Gantos consists almost entirely of Rotten Ralph. I haven't read the Jack Henry books, and I have only gotten as far as borrowing Joey Pigza. It was returned unread, another victim of a hydra-esque TBR pile. I mention all this because Gantos' latest book, Dead End in Norvelt, features a character named, funnily enough, Jack Gantos. But this middle-grade story bears almost

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-1004013644479847592011-08-16T20:03:00.002-04:002011-08-16T20:04:31.382-04:00

This summer saw the release of Dodsworth in Rome, the fourth volume in the easy reader series about Dodsworth and his accidental companion, Duck. It's an amusing book in a series which consistently entertains and has the capacity to continue for many volumes yet as the pair bumbles their way across the globe. The journey actually started, sans Duck, in a junk yard, where the underachieving

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-23769537949438932462011-07-19T10:19:00.001-04:002011-07-19T10:19:57.608-04:00

We are BIG Traction Man fans in this house, so when I saw this listed as a great summer read over at The Guardian, I got pretty excited. And for the record--absolutely NO need to be under 5 to enjoy it. Traction Man is the thinking person's Action Man (also known as GI Joe in this country.) And with his faithful side-kick Scrubbing Brush, he will be prepared for anything. I could not find a US

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-76531638914364462972011-07-18T07:05:00.005-04:002011-07-18T19:55:03.833-04:00

I first visited Arlington National Cemetery on a family vacation back in the 80's. My father, a Navy man with a passion for military history, was particularly keen to take my brother and I there. He wanted to show us the grave of Audie Murphy. I was pretty impressed with the place, but what impressed me most was the behavior of my dad. A life-long smoker, he had such reverence for Arlington

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-58026137737747608102011-07-15T12:11:00.006-04:002011-07-18T11:51:29.789-04:00

It seems ages ago that I first heard talk of Martin Scorcese adapting Brian Selznik's Caldecot winning book for the big screen. And now, come Thanksgiving, it seems that we will finally get to see it. My first question, after watching the trailer, is--what happened to the rest of the title? The invention has fallen by the wayside. It's seemingly arbitrary changes like this which always make me

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-47792530439964811702011-07-12T08:35:00.001-04:002011-07-12T08:36:44.437-04:00

There is no shortage of nostalgic baseball picture books available; just run a search for different versions of Take Me Out to the Ballgame to prove the point. This is the Game, written by Diane Shore and Jessica Alexander and illustrated by Owen Smith, is a nice addition to the genre. It reads like a cumulative tale, not so much about the history of baseball, but about the excitement which

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-21591347972824213062011-07-01T11:58:00.001-04:002011-07-01T15:34:52.870-04:00

I make it a general policy not to purposely offend readers. I even try to avoid implying that my opinion is correct and anyone who thinks otherwise is an out and out moron. But I have to confess that I am about to let loose with a full blown rant, and if you happen to disagree with me.......sorry, but I'm right. Yesterday I read this article in Publisher's Weekly about a new series of board

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-69038483362632300892011-06-20T22:43:00.001-04:002011-06-21T12:21:30.601-04:00

Last Friday I was privileged to be included in a luncheon hosted by Scholastic Books and the New England Independent Booksellers Association for YA writing sensations and all around awesome-women Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, and Maggie Stiefvater. The ladies were in town to visit the Wellesley Booksmith and to promote This is Teen, Scholastic's integrated teen community initiative, which works to unite

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-2736017891261522682011-06-10T14:06:00.000-04:002011-06-10T14:06:12.438-04:00

Now that the Bruins have made a series of the final, I thought this was a good time to draw attention to Mike Leonetti's Number Four, Bobby Orr! It took ages for Ted Williams to get his own picture book, but this Boston sports legend got his in 2003 (any news on a Larry Bird picture book? How about Yaz--the last winner of baseball's Triple Crown? Someone get writing!) Illustrator Shayne Letain

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-27650807050927097672011-06-05T13:45:00.002-04:002011-06-05T17:55:56.848-04:00

Last night, as Doctor Who spoilers and Bruins lamentations fought for control of my Twitterfeed, I started noticing a recurring hasthtag: #YAsaves. Someone--specifically, blogger and Youth Services Consultant Elizabeth Burns--was retweeting a vast amount of responses to an article which had appeared in the Wall Street Journal. The article was entitled "Darkness too Visible" and was followed by

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-76575315894501480792011-05-24T19:48:00.001-04:002011-05-24T21:19:46.574-04:00

So. This week's publishing sensation is the as yet unpublished Go the F**k to Sleep, (actually, I started this post last week. And people are still talking about the book. Yup--it's a sensation.) The book started as a personal parental lament from author Adam Mansbach and has resulted in film rights. And the book hasn't even been published yet! Score one for internet piracy, which is credited

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-68563520618613311362011-05-18T16:13:00.000-04:002011-05-18T16:13:16.991-04:00

It's been a big day for news pertaining to popular book franchises that are making the jump from the page to the screen. First, the official movie trailer for The Adventures of Tintin was released. Then, Entertainment Weekly released this week's cover, featuring the first look at actress Jennifer Lawrence all kitted up for The Hunger Games. I love days like this!

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-86689364240879866532011-05-18T10:36:00.001-04:002011-05-18T16:10:55.445-04:00

Okay, maybe 23 December 2011 isn't technically almost, but it's pretty darn close! However, it is still far enough away that repeated assertions about how Tintin is unknown in the United States will be numerous enough to make me throw myself over the side of the Unicorn! We can't keep Tintin on the shelves at this library, or any other where I have worked. The cub reporter and his little dog,

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-33537369583823625302011-05-11T20:56:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:55:08.871-04:00

Now--I know what you're thinking. Two days in a row. Lunch with an author. Is this woman a librarian or a professional nosher? Well, I am a librarian, and this week I have been an especially fortunate one. After dining yesterday with Jacqueline Davies, today I was invited to eat with Caldecott-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney. He was on a school visit to my daughter's school (those lucky kids!)

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-80267350633552277702011-05-10T22:10:00.000-04:002011-05-10T22:10:34.518-04:00

This afternoon I had the pleasure and privilege of participating in a lunch given in honor of author Jacqueline Davies and her new novel, The Lemonade Crime. This sequel to The Lemonade War is already picking up stars and praise a plenty--so no real change from the first book! I have to confess that I only recently read The Lemonade War--like, as soon as I received the invitation (no time like

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-46466355747122095002011-05-10T09:29:00.000-04:002011-05-10T09:29:46.891-04:00

......Jacqueline Davies and Jerry Pinkney as I prepare for not one, but two, author lunches this week. Ohhh....I could get used to this!

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-69943649200729900942011-04-01T10:41:00.002-04:002011-04-02T09:21:21.141-04:00

After weeks of guessing, and then watching favorites fall, the School Library Journal Battle of the Kids Books has its finalists. Kathi Appelt's Keeper, which has enjoyed a charmed journey through the rounds,  goes against the heavily favored Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud. Megan Whalen Turner's Conspiracy of Kings, back for a second chance as the Undead selection, is a fan favorite and could

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-22743518271102761762011-03-29T06:14:00.001-04:002011-04-01T06:14:59.637-04:00

The School Library Journal Battle of the Kids' Books is headed for the finish line. The four semifinalists are now in place and ready to start duking it out towards the Big Kahuna Round on Monday. If you haven't been following at home, here is how the semis will play out: Louis Sachar's The Cardturner vs Kathi Appelt's Keeper Jonathan Stroud's Ring of Solomon vs Andy Mulligan's Trash I'm kind

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-41722590233379695322011-03-24T14:02:00.017-04:002011-03-24T14:15:11.653-04:00

I don't read many "grown-up" books, partially through choice and partially through career necessity. But when I do pick up a book for an audience older than 12, I have been lucky in reading some real winners. One such book was The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, which is definitely one of my favorite books of the last five years--for any age. Today I saw in a publisher's catalog that a

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-45481906469994948122011-03-17T17:19:00.000-04:002011-03-17T17:19:26.510-04:00

Technically, not quite the first week, since it is only Thursday. But after the first two days, where I really did not have a vested interest, yesterday and today saw books that I actually read take to the arena. And they both lost! Booo! Tomorrow is the only round where I have read both contenders, a scenario that I am rectifying for Round Two. Let me go on record with a vote for One Crazy

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-72829694688327431892011-03-15T12:05:00.000-04:002011-03-15T12:05:06.488-04:00

Last year I missed out on the BoB Round 1 action because I was on holiday in Barbados (go on--feel sorry for me.) This year I'm hanging at home and able to follow the action day by day. Because I have read so few of the contenders this year (at present count: four) I am using the preliminary eliminations to try and ready myself for Round 2 which starts 24 March. I had to make some educated

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-82366689865084931492011-03-13T15:20:00.000-04:002011-03-13T15:20:05.676-04:00

For any cat lover who has suspected that their cat has a rich inner life--this is the series for you. Binky is a domestic shorthair who is a certified member of F.U.R.S.T. That's 'Felines of the Universe Ready for Space Travel' for the uninitiated--which is all of humanity, by the way. Living in his space station with Big Human, Little Human, and his mousie toy, Ted, Binky has a solemn duty to

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-26248678731890427802011-03-01T11:07:00.000-05:002011-03-01T11:07:15.062-05:00

Lots of picture book reading in February. These were among my favorites. Monsters Eat Whiny Children (Kaplan, Bruce Eric) This qualifies as the best book about complaining since Emily Jenkins' I Love You When You Whine.  The indecisiveness of a group of monsters as to the best way to serve up whiny children is at the heart of this humorous book. Kudos for mentioning curry: "They all tried to

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-289346058121865242011-02-27T16:49:00.001-05:002011-02-27T20:18:02.584-05:00

I recently read the latest picture book by British author and illustrator Ruth Brown, Gracie the Lighthouse Cat. Ruth Brown is not the household name that she should be in the United States, taking a back seat to more famous picture book Browns; Margaret Wise and Marc being the ones which spring to mind. Ruth Brown draws the natural world with a balance of delicacy and vigor, and her

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-59179243178006979842011-02-14T06:13:00.000-05:002011-02-14T06:13:58.156-05:00

It's Valentine's Day--also known as Cybils announcement day. Months of hard work by an army of dedicated committee members has resulted in a list of high quality, highly entertaining books for children and young adult readers in an array of genres. Run, don't walk, to the Cybils site to check out the list of winners for 2010. But before you go! As a member of the Nonfiction Picture Book Panel,

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-31190112531964325552011-02-13T15:34:00.001-05:002011-02-13T21:56:37.921-05:00

Just in time for Spring Training! Last year, the release of the excellent No Easy Way by Fred Bowen finally introduced Ted Williams as a subject for picture book biographies, a move which was long overdue in my opinion. This spring he is making an appearance again in The Unforgettable Season, written by Phil Bildner with illustrations by S.D. Schindler. The book is about the summer of 1941, when

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-50879612937822338332011-02-04T09:08:00.000-05:002011-02-04T09:08:33.454-05:00

Once upon a time--in February 2009 to be exact--I blogged about reports that the Pet Shop Boys were working on a ballet based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen. That ballet is now finished and will start its run at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London from 17-27 March. I envy all you lucky Londoners who can go see it! I will have to content myself with the two-disc soundtrack which will be

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-65691202950873391732011-02-02T21:49:00.000-05:002011-02-02T21:49:58.333-05:00

Here is a wrap up of my 4 and 5 star picture book reads for January, 2011. I haven't differentiated between 4 or 5 (although you can see them all at Goodreads.) I like most books I read--I give out a lot of 3 out of 5's. I am struck by very few, so if I give out 4 stars, then I think the book is great and worthy of note. As for how a book gets 5 stars: if it's not because the book is

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-74322370042582635142011-01-30T16:01:00.000-05:002011-01-30T16:01:31.478-05:00

Now--here's something you don't see everyday. A graphic novel (or any book for that matter,) with the by-line, "Yet another troll-fighting 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish Girl." Whaaaat?! You can't judge a book by its cover, but you sure can be pulled in by a hook like that. And since Hereville is one of the contenders for the School Library Journal Battle of the Kid's Books, and I need to make some

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-36785968225894538452011-01-26T20:59:00.000-05:002011-01-26T20:59:27.979-05:00

At the risk of effusing, it is with great delight that I announce the return of the School Library Journal Battle of the Kids' Books. Not that I have anything to actually do with it, per se, except act as cheerleader and generally gush about it to my readers (who are hopefully following it themselves.) This is the tournament's third year, and it is still early days over at the Command Center. But

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-23146616558934924082011-01-21T11:44:00.000-05:002011-01-21T11:44:14.090-05:00

While it is generally understood that bad behavior in children is not tolerable, bad behavior in the elderly seems to be more acceptable. I am generalizing, of course, but allowances are made for age, and the older you are, the more people let you get away with being a curmudgeon. This is certainly the case with The Worst, the eponymous anti-hero of the "Worst Person in the World" series. He is a

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-15479487081194057862011-01-19T22:23:00.002-05:002011-01-20T08:43:46.272-05:00

Thursday 20 January 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John Fitzgerald Kennedy as the 35th president of the United States. Growing up in Boston, I have lived a lifetime within the sphere of the Kennedy family's local influence. And as the daughter of an immigrant who grew up in post-war Italy with her eye on JFK and all that was promising about the USA, I am steeped in Kennedy

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-34445770597766396412011-01-15T10:53:00.000-05:002011-01-15T10:53:26.870-05:00

Do You Have a Cat? by Eileen Spinelli My rating: 3 of 5 stars My favorite Eileen Spinelli books are the ones where she tells a story, Such as "Sophie's Masterpiece" or "Something to tell the Grandcows", but she does generic quite well, too. I particularly liked the nod to famous cat-owners throughout history. Helps to set this one apart from other cat-lover books. View all my reviews

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-31704841642914965522011-01-07T11:42:00.000-05:002011-01-07T11:42:48.534-05:00

Well, here's a kick in the teeth. I just read in School Library Journal that British author Dick King-Smith died on Tuesday, 4 January. He was 88. It's not right to feel cheated by the death of an 88 year old man--that's a long life (and if you read his autobiography, Chewing the Cud, you will know that it was a varied life which he enjoyed to the fullest.) But Dick King-Smith is an author that I

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-9134361870650794062011-01-04T22:47:00.001-05:002011-01-05T06:05:19.050-05:00

There are books at work which I consider to be my "go-to" titles; the ones I always make a bee-line for when a reader comes up to me looking for a recommendation. My Last Best Friend, the first book in what has become the "Friends for Keeps" series by Julie Bowe, is one of those books. Written for the 8-12 age bracket, it has a near perfect balance of content and read-ability; it can be enjoyed

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42555735282682608502011-01-03T22:17:00.000-05:002011-01-03T22:17:10.241-05:00

In my continued attempt to keep this blog organized, I thought I would introduce a new segment to feature picture books written for an older audience; let's say for readers from 9 to 99. These are books written for the reader who can appreciate sophisticated vocabulary, a well-turned phrase, and a story complex enough for a chapter book. I'll try to make this a weekly feature, but no promises! I

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-2695385291855296332010-12-30T22:52:00.000-05:002010-12-30T22:52:24.978-05:00

As the year draws to a close, it's time to list my 5 star books for 2010. I should preface this by saying that this list chronicles only chapter books and graphic novels (of which I read 71 this year,) and does not include the numerous excellent picture books which I read (a situation I really should rectify for 2011.) Books with a * next to them indicate titles published in the United States in

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-76523562148184537352010-12-22T16:24:00.002-05:002010-12-23T18:43:56.548-05:00

Perhaps it's petty of me, but I cannot deny that I took great pleasure in discovering that the first title in the new "Ballpark Mysteries" easy chapter series is The Fenway Foul-up. The book based at Yankee Stadium--book number 2. Looks like the American League East is already shaping up with the Red Sox on top, at least in terms of chapter books. The book pubs in February 2011--just in time for

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-17881544167277533932010-12-12T22:41:00.002-05:002010-12-14T05:25:07.255-05:00

Okay--so I meant to get this posted right after Thanksgiving. But there is still plenty of time to share a Christmas picture book. While shiny copies of Dewey's, Marley's and Fancy Nancy's holiday escapades are being showcased at your local bookstores, these older classic are not too be missed, so be sure to check those library shelves. They might be the dog-eared leftovers on the display table,

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-50946789337111156932010-11-26T11:35:00.000-05:002010-11-26T11:35:12.856-05:00

Talk about serendipitous. Just yesterday I was blogging about To Be Read piles. In one of those piles I photographed yesterday is a copy of this book: So imagine my surprise and thrill when  this morning, I open my daily Google Alert for the Pet Shop Boys--only my all-time favorite pop group--and I see a link to an article about this:  Note who wrote the score? I have blogged before about links

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-61413982184461022252010-11-25T11:32:00.000-05:002010-11-25T11:32:39.796-05:00

.....To Be Read (TBR) piles! Much like piles of laundry, they never go away. But unlike piles of laundry, they are so much more rewarding! it's frustrating to know that I will never get to read all the great books that are out there and that interest me. But the alternative--no great books at all!--is so much more dire. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! TBR's in office TBR's on coffee table (

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-38773302335986179932010-11-18T21:20:00.001-05:002010-11-19T06:22:02.596-05:00

This review comes to you from an avowed Lepidopterphobe (also known as someone who has a fear of butterflies.) But personal irrational fear aside, I could not read this stunning book and let it go without comment. Summer Birds tells the true story of Maria Sibylla Merian, who was a groundbreaking entomologist in 17th century Germany. The understanding that butterflies and moths are hatched from

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-81202159268921029122010-11-08T13:20:00.000-05:002010-11-08T13:20:11.013-05:00

What do you get when you mix James Kochalka's cat, Spandy, with giant robot Gaiking? You get Dragon Puncher, and she is totally made of awesome! Dragon Puncher is on the look-out for sneaky, evil dragons, but what she initially finds is a nondescript, yet cute, baby creature who is armed with a very powerful spoon. While Dragon Puncher prefers to work alone, she is soon lumbered with a fearless

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-33516991333958889132010-11-04T19:21:00.000-04:002010-11-04T19:21:52.292-04:00

So. Here's a question: in children's literature, is it preferable to be an orphan than motherless? Let's consider the options. If a child is orphaned by the death of both their parents, it is usually a device which frees up the child to have an adventure--the sort which could never have been enjoyed if constrained by the banalities of family life. There may be some shuffling about among

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-27710980319907579022010-10-22T21:55:00.000-04:002010-10-22T21:55:37.192-04:00

There are many things I like about this picture book by Richard Michelson and illustrated by R.G. Roth, which I will detail shortly. But first, a personal commentary. As many of my readers know, I am a proud Bostonian (despite the fact that I've spent far too much time in the suburbs.) The issue of busing children to desegregate white and black schools was a hugely contentious issue in Boston--

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-88457755549088962072010-10-18T13:49:00.000-04:002010-10-18T13:49:00.191-04:00

So. I sit down at lunch with a couple of picture books I have been sent to review.  I open book number one, and the first thing I see is a Parent's Introduction. 'Introduction' is a euphamistic way of saying 'instructions.' Yes, this book came with instructions on several different ways to utilize it. Because simply opening it up and reading it is clearly too difficult a concept to grasp. With

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-19306367014001476292010-10-11T21:50:00.000-04:002010-10-11T21:50:52.123-04:00

I originally intended to write a straight-out review of Old Abe, Eagle Hero but was stymied by the nagging conviction that I could not give it a rave review. And since I have a policy of only reviewing books if I can do so positively, I nearly bailed on this assignment. And yet, I quite liked this book and wanted to write about it. So what's the problem? The problem is that the book represents

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-74882409903106937352010-10-07T22:32:00.000-04:002010-10-07T22:32:53.876-04:00

In the interest of full disclosure, I need to make a confession: I am a former railway conductor. I worked for Midland Mainline, a railway operating company in England, for four years, working my way up from trolley dolly to guard. There was a time when I knew every bump in the line from Sheffield to London. Whenever I stand on a station platform, and watch a train leave, I am sorry for the

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-53655734374939184772010-10-05T16:12:00.000-04:002010-10-05T16:12:00.405-04:00

.....where I really needed a laugh. I can't comment on the books, but the covers are hilarious.

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-2331325530409272602010-10-01T10:26:00.000-04:002010-10-01T10:26:00.223-04:00

It's October 1st, and that means one thing--nominations for the 2010 Cybils awards are now open! A hefty list of nominees is evolving as we speak (and you can see what they are, by category, here) but there is always room for more. Do you have a favorite childrens or young adult book from 2010 that you think should be recognized? The beauty of the Cybils is that anyone who reads a book has a

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42796224380926103912010-09-28T11:11:00.001-04:002010-10-06T11:12:31.689-04:00

This post was originally prompted by an on-line discussion I've been following--and contributed to--about whether or not this picture book should be shelved as a picture book, fiction or in the children's room at all. You might have heard about It's a Book on NPR,  or read a review of it (there are many, and they are favorable.) You might have even read it yourself (please do!) What prompted the

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-5222434216363071012010-09-26T08:55:00.000-04:002010-09-26T08:55:36.416-04:00

I love the catchphrase for this years' Banned Books Week (25 September - 2 October, 2010.) Think for yourself. Because that's really what book banning is all about, isn't it--the desire to influence how people think. Advocates of removing books from libraries have convinced themselves, and then try to convince everyone else, that they are somehow serving the common good by recognizing a threat

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-28067558464514204342010-09-23T09:03:00.001-04:002010-09-23T09:03:49.770-04:00

Today NMD had to turn in the first big project of the school year--a pumpkin decorated like a character from a book she read over the summer. It is 100% her work, and I'm pretty proud of the effort she put into it. So without further ado, I present Mallory, from the Spiderwick Chronicles Book 3: The Ironwood Tree! Here's an up close shot of Mallory (sans sword). The pumpkins will be on display

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-78687249503488421832010-09-20T13:30:00.000-04:002010-09-20T13:30:56.168-04:00

In preparation for October 1st, when nominations open for the current crop of awards, The Childrens and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Awards (CYBILS) are starting to announce the panels which will be reviewing and judging in each category. Because today is affectionately known as non-fiction Monday in the kidlitosphere, they have announced the panels for both categories of non-fiction: the Middle

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-5733358176969909682010-09-19T22:25:00.000-04:002010-09-19T22:25:42.098-04:00

Big Red Lollipop is a heartfelt, and heartbreaking, picture book about a girl named Rubina who is invited to her first birthday party. It is also a book about sibling relationships. It is also a book about the immigrant experience. It is also, in my opinion, a story about parental failure--a big, fat reminder of how much we forget about being children once we grow-up, and how parents demand

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-56032737024474770272010-08-24T13:39:00.001-04:002010-08-24T14:56:01.212-04:00

I love working the afternoon shift. You know the sort--the kind where I come in to a desk piled high with issues (hint: file under "sarcasm".) Today I found a pile of payment forms for lost materials. I give these the once over to see if there's anything I need to replace. Sure enough, I notice that Jon Agee's Terrific has been lost (sob!) So, as I'm debating whether to order 1 copy or 2, I

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-77448252154617832312010-08-22T21:10:00.000-04:002010-08-22T21:10:38.450-04:00

Any other Sporcle players out there? I love it when I can stimulate my mind, which Sporcle claims their games do, and test my kiddielit knowledge at the same time. So, how many American Girls, and their best friends, can you name? I got them all. Can you name the American Girl Historical Characters? - sporcle

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-1970618640424679312010-08-20T12:39:00.000-04:002010-08-20T12:39:35.340-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the book launch party for Mitali Perkins' latest YA novel, Bamboo People. It was held at the Porter Square Bookstore in Cambridge, MA, which is quite the comfy indie and easily accessible for suburbanites like myself, (despite my GPS' devious scheme to send me via the most circuitous route possible.) I have met Mitali a few times before at tweet-ups (and

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-6133092754438222522010-08-17T19:10:00.003-04:002010-10-26T14:58:54.740-04:00

I've refrained from using my usual title "Rave Review" because this is not a book that one can rave about: it is a story about Kristallnacht. But as an example of how a picture book can break free of the perceptions of the format and be an intelligent, compelling, and sensitive way to tell a story to readers from ages 5 to 105, this book is an excellent example. The action of the story takes

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42628122673910317002010-08-13T07:11:00.000-04:002010-08-13T07:11:10.210-04:00

Ah.....the joys of bedtime stories. The snuggling. The sharing. The interrupting. The interrupting? That's right folks. In David Ezra Stein's new picture book gem, Interrupting Chicken, interrupting is both a plot device and a reassurance, as a little girl shares the time-honored tradition of reading before bed with her Papa. In fact, reading a story is vital--she simply can't fall asleep without

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-28745427234243929132010-07-26T10:59:00.000-04:002010-07-26T10:59:14.540-04:00

I have a confession to make: I didn't get the joke. But I love this book trailer! I loved seeing some of my favorite authors in the flesh...er...video, as it were. And I bet young readers will to. Color me pre-ordering.

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-38271986988064557782010-07-21T16:21:00.000-04:002010-07-21T16:21:57.995-04:00

I've decided to start a new, periodic feature on this blog that highlights some of my favorite picture books (possibly branching out into Easy Readers and Chapter Books if inspiration strikes) which I think are....well.....subversive. And we'll start with Imogene's Antlers, written and illustrated by David Small. This gem of a book, which was featured on Reading Rainbow, tells the simple story of

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-28775366279615586382010-07-05T16:30:00.001-04:002010-07-05T16:30:47.074-04:00

Not at all what I expected: hilarious, sweet and subversive all at the same time. Spot-on characterization and comic timing drive this story of sibling resentment and inter dimensional alien missionaries. Previously serialized in the New York Times Magazine, now handily packaged as a complete graphic unit. I give it a 5 out of 5!

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-62381157736194859292010-06-30T21:29:00.002-04:002010-11-05T10:33:10.705-04:00

I came across a blog post this afternoon (thank you Mitali Perkins) on the site Anglotopia.net (my kind of blog!) listing the Top 10 British Children's Authors and Books. The article, which was posted by a guest blogger, lists "the most popular British children’s authors and their books which have captured the hearts of children (and adults) the world over." I couldn't find fault with the list;

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-86175067432990570112010-06-25T12:38:00.000-04:002010-06-25T12:38:48.741-04:00

After reading this article in Publisher's Weekly about camps based on the Percy Jackson and Ranger's Apprentice series, it set me to thinking about which books I think would make exciting summer camps. Among fantasy series, there are plenty of contenders: Harry Potter, the Narnia books, the Lord of the Rings, Larklight (endless cyberpunk possibilities!) But what about in the real world--which

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-37569174871844911312010-06-22T22:49:00.000-04:002010-06-22T22:49:51.388-04:00

I've been on a brief hiatus while we finished up the school year at home, but I'm back with fantastic news--Graham Oakley's The Church Mouse will be republished in the United States in September 2010! (At this point, insert a mental image of me doing my happy dance!) Readers of this blog know that I have been begging and pleading for this book, and the subsequent titles in the series, to be

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-77229461380635315312010-06-22T14:29:00.000-04:002010-06-22T14:29:20.295-04:00

I've made no secret of my fan girl admiration of M.T. Anderson, nor my love of the w00t!-worthy Pals in Peril series. So let's all give a big 'Huzzah!' for the return of Lily, Katie, and Jasper Dash in a brand new adventure, due for release in October. Now that the Enola Holmes series is finished, and Larklight seems content to remain a trilogy, "Pals in Peril" has sole possession of the top spot

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-48968741658799098342010-06-02T22:12:00.002-04:002010-06-02T22:13:43.666-04:00

They've been to the beach. They've patronized the library. And now, Brian Lies' adorable bats are going to watch--what else?--a baseball game. The third installment in this highly appealing series is full of charm, visual humor and--if you are a Red Sox fan--a couple of in-jokes for your reading pleasure. One of the reasons the bat books are so much fun is the opportunity they provide for sight

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-60463357881325787972010-05-31T21:26:00.000-04:002010-05-31T21:26:36.017-04:00

With the popularity of series fiction at an all-time high for elementary and middle grade readers, I often will read the first title of any series that is popular or promising. Dipping my toe in this manner allows me the chance to booktalk the series with a reasonable amount of competency and enthusiasm. But  with some series, I'm in it for the long haul. The Enola Holmes Mysteries is one such

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-32870929542123835142010-05-27T14:22:00.000-04:002010-05-27T14:22:51.424-04:00

It's that time of the fiscal year when my book budget is spent, and I'm looking wistfully at the summer catalogs for what's coming over the horizon. So imagine my joy when I saw that Jon Agee, the Prince of the Palindrome, the Sultan of Spoonerisms, the Titan of Tongue Twisters, the Officer of Oxymorons--and who also happens to write a damn good picture book--has a new title coming out! August

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-40819311474985911592010-05-26T21:18:00.000-04:002010-05-26T21:18:21.257-04:00

Max Spaniel, the star of Dinosaur Hunt, is back for a second installment in this chaotically funny series from Scholastic. Kids might think that they are reading a book about a dog, but, as Max will tell you himself, he is not a dog. He is a chef. A great chef! Observant readers who paid attention to the title page might question Max's culinary credentials, but hey--a chef is nothing without his

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-50028397271865798952010-05-23T22:39:00.000-04:002010-05-23T22:39:54.309-04:00

The close-quarters relationship between humans and indigenous wildlife has not always been neighborly. Whether intentionally or not, humans have impacted their environment in ways that adversely affect the lives and habitats of the animals living there. Birds and frogs, which are among our most common and plentiful wild neighbors, are the subjects of two books by author Melissa Stewart in an

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-78875357019374308002010-05-21T22:52:00.003-04:002010-05-21T22:54:15.416-04:00

Scholastic, in their ever successful attempts to tease fans of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, have added to their Hunger Games site a widget that is simply too cool for school: it's a countdown clock to the release (and I'm guessing that word can be used in regard to more than just the publication date) of Mockingbird. The final volume in Suzanne Collins' dystopian trilogy must be the

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-57307015505580831762010-05-20T11:42:00.000-04:002010-05-20T11:42:53.369-04:00

Who says that libraries can't think outside the box when it comes to advocacy? American Libraries reports how the New York Public Library approached Improv Everywhere ("We Cause Scenes",) to develop a viral campaign to spread the word that even venerable institutions like the New York Public Library face devastating budget cuts and need public support. Boston Public Library, take note. If

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-89451329037614525732010-05-12T22:04:00.001-04:002010-05-14T14:43:50.701-04:00

Nothing like being wiped out by a bad head cold. I took advantage of the unexpected extra time today to plow through my to-be-read pile of picture books. Lucky me--I came across a trio of winners. Testing the Ice by Sharon Robinson, illus. by Kadir Nelson Sharon Robinson, whose famous dad Jackie should need no introduction, tells a story from her childhood that focuses on her father's courage--

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-19194951780949865872010-05-06T21:33:00.001-04:002010-05-06T21:35:01.055-04:00

Benny and Penny in the Toy Breaker by Geoffrey Hayes My rating: 5 of 5 stars Much as I loved Danny the Dinosaur, I sure wish the Toon Books had been around when I was learning to read. Engaging and concerned about the things kids care about (toys, stinky monsters, favorite colors,)they are as fun as they are attractive. The books incorporate proper comic formatting with the controlled

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-17766607296485596552010-05-06T11:02:00.002-04:002010-05-06T11:06:16.377-04:00

I know it's not even summer yet, but I'm already looking forward to the fall and the latest installment in the Alvin Ho series. Alvin in September is the best thing since back-to-school shopping. And not nearly as scary. (You can read more about this upcoming release here)

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-24891001431187543182010-05-04T13:38:00.000-04:002010-05-04T13:38:54.557-04:00

He's not in Maine anymore! The wicked big toddlah takes on the Big Apple. I sure hope he brought his wicked big Red Sox cap. (Due out in June, 2010.)

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-78468490329294012652010-04-30T15:27:00.002-04:002010-05-03T11:07:24.774-04:00

The American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom has declared May 2-8 to be Choose Privacy Week. The focus of the week is to inform Americans about their rights to privacy in a digital age. Social networks Facebook and Google have recently been in the news because of privacy concerns, so this is certainly a good time to establish such a week and to make Americans aware of current

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-42300927203320600942010-04-18T09:23:00.001-04:002010-04-18T09:34:49.062-04:00

This joke book, which proudly claims to be "too rude for parents," shows that Horrid Henry must, deep down, have the soul of an archivist. He has given his name--and a fair bit of dialogue--to a book of jokes which is not just gross and groan-worthy, but pretty well organized as well. These are not just random ha-ha's. The reader is eased in with elementary school joke-telling staples of mummys,

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-91519266884201996512010-04-13T22:51:00.001-04:002011-09-26T13:24:22.797-04:00

It's not often that a book serendipitously meets multiple aims, uniting literary tastes and everyday life. But when it does happen, it's a beautiful thing. My daughter and I are reading the new edition of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. It is an absolutely perfect selection right here, right now, because: 1) April is National Poetry Month! We're expanding our reading horizons

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-29409747126581807142010-04-09T06:27:00.000-04:002010-04-09T06:27:31.856-04:00

I read this interesting post yesterday on the Presenting Lenore blog, about the Do's and Don't of polite blogging, and--even more specifically--about interacting with authors. The post was particularly directed towards YA book bloggers, but they were tips that are certainly applicable to all. For me personally, the post was enlightening, because it showed me just how naive I am about my own

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-51025678696535276282010-04-06T06:25:00.000-04:002010-04-06T06:25:17.328-04:00

.....all of us, of course! Because we got to follow the progress of 16 fabulous books for young readers. But in terms of actual claiming-the-trophy-winning, that honor goes to Marching for Freedom, by Elizabeth Partridge. All of Gary Schmidt's agony in the first round was worth it. Everyone loves a winner, and he made the right call, setting this book on the path to victory.  Personally, I

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-28418928563133387912010-04-01T21:02:00.002-04:002010-04-02T06:20:18.096-04:00

The books have been read, the hands have been wrung, and the brackets have been tossed out in disgust. After more than a month of page-turning drama, the School Library Journal Battle of the Kids Book has reached its final stage. There will be the mix-it-up fun of the Undead contender, to be announced on Friday, then all eyes will be on National Ambassador for Young Persons Literature Katherine

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556965778167284816.post-34234281749427779942010-03-29T21:43:00.003-04:002010-03-29T21:55:09.882-04:00

Okay--let's make one thing perfectly clear: I really hate the title of this book. It's schlocky and reminiscent of bad teenage slasher films. Having read the book, I understand why it's used. But.....truthfully....ick. However, let's make something else perfectly clear; if we're going to sink to dodgy terminology...this book kicks ASS! And I am so glad I read it, because it was a breathless ride

Kara Schaff Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14799940457339268070noreply@blogger.com0