December 2008
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Author Booking Service
Spreading the News
Greetings, Gift-Givers! Yes, I am talking to each of you reading this newsletter, whether you interact directly with children and young adults, or indirectly through university instruction, the publishing industry, book reviewing, or any capacity in which you recommend books for our youth to read. And what a gift it is! It is through your passion that children develop a love of reading and discovery. And how do you do it? It sounds so easy: by giving the right book to the right child at the right time. But, it is such hard work. You have to be a detective to discover what an individual likes to read and why, and what his or her reading abilities are. You have to be a Renaissance person who reads broadly so that you can make good recommendations to a wide range of readers and nonreaders. You have to be an entertainer to make the book come alive in your booktalk.
We created the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) to help make it easier for you to create the bond between book and reader. "A love of books is one of the most treasured values you can give a child," says Marilyn Courtot, President of the CLCD Company, LLC and those of us who work with Marilyn heartily concur. When we hear from our subscribers that they use CLCD every day, well, frankly, that truly makes us smile for we know we have had a part in imparting a priceless lifetime gift. In this season of gift-giving, let us always remember the gifts that really count; those gifts that last a lifetime. If you live where it is warm, then may you have "the sky above and a book to love." If you live where it is cold, then may you have the warmth of a cup of tea and a friend with whom to share it, and the comfort of a good book on a cold night.
CLCD On the Road
We are looking forward to seeing you at ALA Midwinter. We will be at the Colorado Convention Center from Jan 23-26. Please stop by Booth 2634 to discover new ways that CLCD can help you everyday. We also love to hear ways you are using CLCD so we can spread the news to other subscribers.
Quote of the Month
"The flexibility of the website, the monthly support newsletter and the availability of reviews that appear nowhere else, make this an indispensable collection tool."
Danita Eastman, Children's Book Evaluator, County of Los Angeles Public Library
Budgets are tight everywhere and if you are thinking about some great books as gifts this year, don't forget to use the B&N Button. It will provide additional information and current pricing for the books you are considering for purchase. In addition, should you decide to purchase through B&N, all CLCD subscribers get an extra 5% discount.
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Click here for our Hanukkah update which includes Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and Dreidels by Deborah Heiligman, full of interesting facts and fabulous photos of Hanukkah celebrations around the world.
Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard? by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Jane Dyer, a new picture book for young children, captures the warmth and loving spirit of the season. Go to our Christmas update where you will find many wonderful new titles to fill your holiday needs: celebrations around the world, recipes, poetry, short stories, Spanish/English editions, family coffee table books, and even an audio book.
Our Kwanzaa update offers some fine suggestions for crafts and an explanation of the holiday. If you are looking for a book to share, we recommend Jazz on a Saturday Night by Leo & Diane Dillon. Our reviewer, Mary Quattlebaum, says of this book, "This poetic tribute to a unique American art form exemplifies the Kwanzaa principles of umojo (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination) and kuumba (creativity)."
Author Features
What better way to discuss Broadway Barks by Bernadette Peters than in an interview in three acts. The talented Broadway star talks about several "firsts" for her in creating this book. Her editor and publisher, Harriet Ziefert says, "The celebrity-book trend in publishing is a disturbing one" and yet she chose to publish this book. She explains why in this interview.
Learn about Jutta Richter's journey to become an author in this interview. The author of The Cat Or How I Lost Eternity reveals how she has drawn on her life experiences to create her novels. You will surely want to check out the photograph of the German castle where she lives, which is on a pilgrimage path.
Darren Shan, author of the Cirque du Freak series and Demonata series which includes Bec, reveals the best compliment he has ever received from a child. Plus, you may be as surprised as I was to discover which book influenced his writing.
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Children's Literature currently assists schools, museums, conferences and other organizations in identifying authors and illustrators for speaking engagements. Authors and illustrators provide valuable insight into their craft and connect their audience with the world of literature. In each issue we will highlight several of our booking service participants. To learn more about this service, please go to http://www.childrenslit.com/bookingservice/bs-home.html
Jacqueline Jules
From story time with preschoolers to Holocaust studies with seventh and eighth graders, Jacqueline Jules' experiences with students are as varied as her books. Her first book, The Grey Striped Shirt, is the moving story of a child discovering what happened to her grandparents during the Holocaust. On the other end of the spectrum, Jules pens whimsical, vibrantly illustrated folk tales starring the irrepressible Ziz, a huge, clumsy and loveable bird. There are four in the series so far, including The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle. Look for two new "Jules jewels" this spring: Benjamin and the Silver Goblet (a Passover tale), and Unite or Die, about the United States Constitution.
Jennifer O'Connell
Who says ghosts are just for Halloween? The Ten Timid Ghosts who first appeared in Jennifer O'Connell's New York Times Bestselling picture book have resurfaced – just in the "Nick" of time for Christmas! Part counting book and part rhyme, Ten Timid Ghosts on a Christmas Night is as unusual as it is fun. But don't be afraid: Jennifer doesn't only draw ghosts. The award-winning illustrator's breathtaking artwork can also be seen in A Garden of Whales, recipient of The Vermont Publishers Association Certificate of Merit.
CLCD Newsletter Editor, Sharon Salluzzo serves as a library and education consultant to CLCD. In addition, Sharon is a book reviewer, a storyteller who often performs with The Genesee Storytellers, and a member of The Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC. Sharon earned her MLS at SUNY Geneseo.
About the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
Our monthly newsletter is now available to everyone within an organization, not just the primary contact. A new feature at www.childrenslit.com will provide you with a form allowing you to sign up for just the electronic newsletter. The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, updated mid-month, is your most complete source of information about children's books. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the book in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best books. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD or contact us, go to www.childrenslit.com.