The Art of Reading a Storybook

This video is an introduction to reading aloud to a group of children. It may be useful if you are training volunteers or new staff members to conduct storytime programs.

Mo Willems and National Book Festival

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted here!

I want to let you know about two opportunities.

• Mo Willems is inviting schools and libraries to "spend an afternoon in his studio" via a live online simulcast on October 6 at 2:00 p.m. Participation is limited to 200 venues, so sign up now, or spread the word to your local schools.
• The 9th Annual National Book Festival will take place on September 26. There will be an impressive list of children's author presenters, including Holly Black, Kate DiCamillo, Kadir Nelson, Mo Willems, Jon Scieszka, and many more.
  

2009 Youth Media Awards

ALA has posted the winners of the youth media awards, including the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and King.

Here is the list of notable books, and here are all of the other notables.

Here is a video I took of the Newbery Medalist being announced. It's very difficult to hear, but I couldn't find a better video online.

The New York Times has selected this year's best picture books. That seems strange, since the year is not over yet. Anyhow, you can view a slide show here.

UK Librarians Oppose Age Recommendations on Books.

There are so many reasons that age-banding is a bad idea. Kids who are reading above or below grade level, kids who are going back to an old favorite, differing standards in families... I hope this never happens here. Accelerated Reader levels are bad enough.

KidLit Project Runway

I'm late in posting a very funny video from the ALA children's lit banquets:

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RIP Tasha Tudor

Illustrator Tasha Tudor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.