Many people say that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday and they describe several reasons why. They are together with friends and family; the menu is easy; just prepare the same things year after year (my family calls this tradition); and finally, you don't have to buy gifts for everyone. There is another feature of this holiday that has become tradition in our house. I call it "opening the table." It seems every year there is someone new at our table. It may be a family new to the neighborhood, or perhaps a visiting relative of invited friends. A couple weeks before Thanksgiving my husband and daughter jokingly ask, "What stranger is joining us this year?" and to tell the truth, we usually don't know until a few days before. Consequently, the conversation around our Thanksgiving table is never the same from year to year. There are some stories that are sure to get repeated, but there is always something said that is fresh and lively. After the last dish has been washed and put away Thanksgiving night, my husband, daughter and son always comment, "That was a great day!"

The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) has its own version of "opening the table." We have a consistent core of review sources, several of which have been aggregated in CLCD since our early days ten years ago. Every-so-often we are privileged to "open the table" and add the reviews of another journal. It just seems fitting in this month of gathering to give thanks and inviting one more to join our group at the table, that we are announcing the inclusion of ForeWord Reviews as a new review source. "The thoughtfully written and insightful reviews of quality children's and young adult books in ForeWord Reviews are a perfect fit with CLCD. We know our subscribers will be most pleased to have access to these reviews," states Marilyn Courtot, President of CLCD.

ForeWord Reviews, a journal dedicated to reviewing independently published books, was established in 1998 and serves as the flagship periodical of booksellers, librarians, agents and publishing professionals who want to access the best from small presses. ForeWord also provides a myriad of services to publishers including international trade representation, Book of the Year Awards, fee-for-review services, and an interactive website for the book community, www.forewordreviews.com.

Twitter

If you were receiving our tweets this month, you would have been among the first to learn about Kate DiCamillo's interview on NPR; Mysterious Benedict Society games; and the Ink Think Tank. To follow us on Twitter, just click on the blue Twitter bird at www.childrenslit.com.

CLCD On the Road

CLCD will be exhibiting at the annual AASL conference from November 5 to 8. You will find us at Booth 966. We would be happy to share with you our favorite CLCD features and learn how you are using CLCD as well. Come visit!

ALA MIDWINTER 2010: EXHIBITS ONLY INVITATIONS

CLCD will also be exhibiting at the upcoming ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston--January 15-17. If you would like a free badge for the exhibits only, please click here to bring up a badge registration form. Complete the form by Dec 4, 2009 and your badge will be mailed to you, after that date you can pick it up at the registration desk. Please make sure that you drop by and see us at booth 2638 in the Small Press area.

Quote of the Month

"This database was tested with preservice teachers and librarians who wanted to see specific search capabilities... both groups agreed that the search results offered a lengthy list of content that might not be found in other databases. The ability to quickly locate reviews from various professional journals, as well as having the reading and interest levels of books both searchable and accessible to the school's online catalog were a big plus. ......for providing users with a great deal of information both before and after we actually accessed the database, CLCD deserves a solid A."
From: The Best in Kids' Books-at Your Fingertips
By Shonda Brisco -- School Library Journal, 10/01/2009

Our Blog debuts November 1

Keep up with the latest news in children's and young adult literature with our new blog. We will be talking about new books that will nicely fit into your school curriculum and creative ways our subscribers are using CLCD. Occasionally, some of our favorite authors will be contributing as well. To access our blog click on the link on our home page, www.childrenslit.com.

Monthly Features

Our features present selected titles. For a more comprehensive and complete list of published titles with multiple reviews, use the CLCD.

Acquaint your students with El Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Our updated feature includes nonfiction titles as well as the picture book, Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead by Judy Goldman and illustrated by Rene King Moreno which incorporates the annual migration of the monarch butterfly into the story.

November is Aviation History Month. The books reviewed here offer many ways to approach this topic. Use one to make paper airplanes to get your students' attention. Introduce them to Cromwell Dixon, Maggie Gee and Harriet Quimby. Aircraft by Ian Graham presents information on the inner workings of all types of aircraft for ages 8 to 12.

This is a good year to update your collection of Thanksgiving books. In our update you will discover holiday history, recent immigrants and their first American thanksgiving, songs, mysteries and humor, too. Two Bad Pilgrims by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by John Manders offers such a new perspective that every reader will sit up and take notice.

This month we also have updated features that address two aspects of Space and Space Travel: space objects, such as comets, stars and planets; and deep space exploration.

One of the titles you will want to read about in our feature Asteroids, Comets, Meteorites, Black Holes and More is Beyond: A Solar System Voyage by Michael Benson. It is an excellent choice for a public library or middle school.

In our other space feature, What's Out There?, you can find books that talk about "space junk," and what it is like to live on the international space station. In Living in Space by David Baker and Heather Kissock, third through fifth graders will learn what it is like to live on the space shuttle and outside the earth's atmosphere.

Author Features

Lois Lowry discusses her new book, Crow Call, (illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline) the story of a young girl and her father reconnecting after his return from World War II and its relevance today. Learn about her writing process and how grandchildren have influenced her writing.

Lyn Miller-Lachmann talks about her impetus for writing and the background of her new historical fiction, Gringolandia, which is set during the period of the brutal military regime in Chile from 1973 to 1990. She talks about the need for young people to learn about the world around them.

Jim Murphy talks about the research he undertakes for his books, getting (or not!) his sons to read, and how he, himself, got hooked on reading. (Hint: it's probably not what you think.) His new book, Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting, presents a clear introduction to World War I as well as a fascinating account of the events that took place during Christmas 1914. Our reviewer says this is, "A book not to be missed and one that belongs in any library or private collection."

Reminder: if you missed a newsletter or want to check on a previous feature, please note that all the newsletters are posted for your convenience here.

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

Catherine Reef

Catherine Reef seeks to elucidate the past with her tales of American history and biographies of important personalities. Catherine has written about Sigmund Freud, A. Philip Randolph, the founding of the nation of Liberia, and the history of laborers in the United States. Her latest book features Ernest Hemmingway. She believes that a good story is at the heart of good writing, and says, "When I write I am always learning, and it pleases me to share what I have learned with you, my reader." Catherine's presentations, designed for upper elementary school children all the way to adults, focus on the craft of writing biographies and nonfiction. To learn more about this author/illustrator, please visit http://childrenslit.com/bookingservice/reef-catherine.html

Susan Stockdale

Susan Stockdale has been a painter and artist her whole life, but it wasn't until she took a trip to the zoo with her children that she was inspired to put her talents to use in the world of children's literature. Her work as an author and illustrator has focused on nature and animals, one of which, Carry Me, was selected by Science Books and Films as an "Outstanding Science Read Aloud." Susan's book Fabulous Fishes will soon be complemented by another book featuring birds. To find out more about Susan and her presentations for schools and adult audiences, please visit http://childrenslit.com/bookingservice/stockdale-susan.html

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.