Michael Rosen tells Michael Prest how studying and teaching creative writing set him on the road to becoming the Children's Laureate   >>>


Just William, Stuart Little and Mary Poppins have beaten Harry Potter in being named the greatest children's books of all time.  more...

In this slamming cousin to Poetry Speaks to Children (2005), editor Giovanni states, “Poetry with a beat. That’s hip hop in a flash,” and she goes on to link hip-hop to grand opera and present a capsule history of African American vernacular music. This features a wide-ranging selection of 51 entries, plus a CD with new or previously released recorded versions of 29, some with music.

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In a series of 10 haiku, Gravdahl (The Tale of Dog Giovanni) follows an inquisitive black feline (named Nosy, according to her food bowl) as she chases a butterfly and other flying creatures along a Golden Gate-like suspension bridge.

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Common, the rapper known for his socially conscious themes and intricate lyrics, is a Grammy Award winner as well as the author of three books for children. A longtime advocate for urban youth, Common recently launched the Corner Book Club, an interactive book club for teens, on the Web site of his charity, the Common Ground Foundation.

Why start a book club?

I want to encourage youth to read. Reading is how you get information. Enlightenment. I remember reading as a child, and I’m still reading now to keep my mind fresh. To keep it functioning and healthy. more » » »

The thrilling war story, complete with chase scenes, clashes at first with the nostalgic school tale, but they eventually come together in celebration of freedom of all kinds.

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THE GRIZZLY ROSE UP ON ITS HIND LEGS AND LET OUT A FEARSOME ROAR, HALFWAY BETWEEN THE BARK OF A DOG AND THE BELLOW OF A BULL. WE WERE DEAD MEAT…

Sam Fox is on a trip to North America with his scout cub pack when their bus crashes down a steep canyon. Some of the group are seriously injured, so Sam and two cubs set off to find help.

But Sam is thousands of miles from home, in the middle of the American wilderness. A wilderness full of howling wolves, voracious snapper turtles, rabid raccoons, and a massive, unpredictable grizzly bear that’s following them and just won’t give up…

Click here to read an excerpt from the book, to play the game, and catch up with Justin d'Ath, the author.

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Houghton Rolls Out Curious George App for iPhone

Houghton Mifflin has released its first branded Curious George title, an application based on the August 2008 book Curious George's Dictionary. The release marks Houghton’s first foray into publishing children’s content for the Apple device and is, according to David Langevin, Houghton’s v-p and director of digital markets, a move into what the house feels could be a lucrative market.

He's Marvel's most popular mutant...and the best there is at what he does! Now, for the first time ever, experience the storied saga of everybody's favorite feral X-Man. In his own words - fully illustrated with archival images from more than 30 years worth of comic-book appearances!

click here for a video and an interview

... Area educators, librarians and readers are split on the effectiveness of using graphic novels as a way to get reluctant readers enthusiastic -- but all agree that reading what some call glorified comic books is better than reading nothing at all.    ...   whole article