E-Book Controversy

There's a lot of buzz lately (angry buzz!) about some major publishers refusing to allow their e-books to be lent by libraries. The GalleyCat blog has posted a good entry on it, which you can read here. Basically, we can buy books from publishers like Penguin and Simon & Schuster, stick them on our shelves, and lend them out - but we can't do the same with the electronic versions of the same books. The blog entry has a list of the publishers' contact information if you care to let them know what you think about this development. There's also a petition at change.org about it. You can see that here (you have to click on the Petition Letter tab to read the text of the petition).

On the flip side of the issue, I have heard that the actual cost of producing e-books is much, much higher than people think. IT World has an interesting article about it, which you can read here. Maybe these publishers think they wouldn't be able to stay afloat if they didn't charge for every copy of all their e-books.

What do you think?

Pinkalicious and Lauren Oliver

The Parkland College Theatre is doing a production of Pinkalicious: The Musical. How fun for little Pinkalicious fans! And no wonder suddenly all our Pinkalicious books are checked out. But don't worry - we can always get books delivered here for you from nearby libraries. Anyway, you can see information on the show here.

I am really starting to become a fan of new author Lauren Oliver. Her first book, Before I Fall, was a great book for teens about a girl who is stuck living the last day of her life over and over again, until she figures out how to break the cycle. The ending hit me like a freight train... but in a good way. It packs an emotional punch. I also just finished her newest book, Delirium, and I think it will go over really well with fans of Crossed by Ally Condie.

I also really enjoyed her book for middle grade readers (grades 4-7) called Liesl & Po. In that story, she took elements of classic children's literature and added her own gorgeous writing style, unique but relatable characters, and age-appropriate but thought-provoking themes concerning Big Issues like love and death. I just loved every page, and most kids who like stories with magic and adventure will enjoy it.

Minute To Win It & Bluestems

I'm getting a blog post up early this morning so I have some time to work on the upcoming Minute To Win It program. It will be on Saturday Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. for children ages 3+. At the program, kids will do games and activities based on the NBC show Minute to Win It and get prizes. Some games included will be "Breakfast Scramble," "Face the Cookie," and "Johnny Applestack." Please register for this program if you are interested.

Also, in other news: the Bluestem list is out! You can see it here. I noticed that Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind is on both the Bluestem and Rebecca Caudill lists. I say, great - it's a very good book and the more kids who read it, the better. I also liked The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch. What does everyone else think of the list?

2013 Rebecca Caudill & Monarch Lists

Yay! They're out!

You can see the Rebecca Caudills here and the Monarchs here. I was really pleased to see Smile by Raina Telgemeier, as well as Countdown by Deborah Wiles. I REALLY enjoyed Countdown but haven't had much of a chance to talk it up, since most of the kids who come in here are looking for something action-adventure, or a Sarah Dessen read-a-like, rather than some quality historical fiction like Countdown. And now kids will read it! And hopefully they will love it as I did.

I've also read and enjoyed The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Out of My Mind, Bounce, The Graveyard Book, and Inside Out & Back Again. So that's 6 down, 14 to go. (I haven't read Smile yet, but I was very happy to see a well-received graphic novel on the list. Great for reluctant readers.)

As far as Monarchs go, I'm glad A Sick Day for Amos McGee got on there (Caldecott winner from last year!) and of course I was THRILLED to see We Are In A Book by Mo Willems. Every Elephant & Piggie book should be read by everyone. Immediately. :P