THE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK AND LITERACY ALLIANCE

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Voices from Our White House: Chris Van Dusen

Artist answers questions about "TR's Family and Friends"- an interview with Chris Van Dusen

Welcome back to the NCBLA blog's weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

This week we feature Chris Van Dusen, who has both written and illustrated the Mr. Magee series of books and illustrated the Mercy Watson series written by Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo. Van Dusen's newest book, The Circus Ship, will be published by Candlewick Press in September 2009.

Van Dusen's full-spread illustration in Our White House shows Theodore Roosevelt, his children, and their unusual collection of pets having a good time in the White House; it precedes "Storming Down the Stairs" by Albert Marrin, which is about the plethora of animals and children occupying the house during Roosevelt's administration.

We asked Mr. Van Dusen a few questions about his illustration:

NCBLA: Your picture depicts both the chaos and the fun of living in the White
House with so many animals and children. Did you have a lot of pets growing
up? What were their names?
CVD: I have four brothers (no sisters!) and it seems that we all had pets at
some time, but not the traditional pets you think of. My grandmother was
allergic to fur and pet dander, so we never had cats or dogs growing up.
Instead we had fish tanks and those little green turtles you used to be able
to buy at Woolworth's. At one point, my brother thought he wanted to be a
Herpetologist (that's someone who studies reptiles and amphibians) so we had
Soft-shelled Turtles, Diamond-backed Terrapins, Skinks, and a really nasty
Gecko that used to escape from his tank and hiss at us from the ceiling. It
was quite a scene! My brother didn't name any of those creatures. I guess it
just wasn't the scientific thing to do, but I do remember we had a tortoise
once named "Torty." How's that for originality!

NCBLA: Do you currently have any pets? If you could adopt any kind of animal,
what would you choose?
CVD: Currently we have one pet, a Yellow Lab named "Pearl" and that's
perfect. I wouldn't want any other pets.

NCBLA: The image is busy and brightly colored. I like that the people and
animals have light halos around their outlines which makes them "pop" off
the page-is there a word for that? Who or what influences your style?
CVD: Other people have commented on the "halos" on my work. I don't really
even think about it and as far as I know it doesn't have a name. I just do
it so certain characters or areas stand out from the background.

I've always enjoyed the illustrations of Robert McCloskey and I'm sure I've
been influenced by his work. I'm also a big fan of animation and cartoons,
especially Warner Brothers' Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons. I used to
watch those every Saturday morning as a kid. I bet that stuff rubbed off on
me too.

NCBLA: Do you use a computer to "paint" your pictures...or do you really paint
them? What type of paints do you use?
CVD: I don't use any computers to produce my illustrations. I paint all of
my pictures in gouache, which is a water-based paint. It's kind of like an
opaque watercolor. You can use it thick or thin, and the colors you get are
bright and clean.

NCBLA: What do you think would be the most fun about living in the White House?
Where would you spend most of your time there?
CVD: I think the history of the White House would be the most fascinating
part of living there. If I lived there, I'd constantly be thinking about
what President did what and where. To know Lincoln slept in the next room
would be so cool! But since I've never toured the White House, I don't know
where I'd spend most of my time. I'd probably just wander around and admire
the paintings!

For more information on this artist and author, please read his Our White House bio or visit his website.

The White House has a New Top Dog!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

White House News: Easter Egg Roll April 13

Egg Roll Is Largest Public Celebration at the White House

The White House Easter Egg Roll has been enjoyed by American children for over 130 years, since President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Hayes first hosted the event in 1878. Now an annual tradition, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host this year's Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 13. The celebration will include storytelling, sports, cooking classes, musical performances, and of course, the traditional Easter egg roll! For more information, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/EasterEggRoll/.

The White House serves as an entertainment venue for many events and festivities each year. You can learn more about the Easter Egg Roll, as well as other traditions celebrated at the White House (such as the lighting of the Christmas tree), in the art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. Be sure to check out artist Eric Carle's brightly-colored painting of the Easter Egg Roll!

Learn more about President Hayes and First Lady Hayes, as well as President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, in the Presidential Fact Files and First Lady Fact Files on ourwhitehouse.org.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Focused on Literacy: River of Words

River of Words Integrates Literacy with Art and Nature

The nonprofit literacy organization River of Words seeks to improve children's literacy and cognitive skills through innovative projects that incorporate observation-based nature exploration, art, and poetry. River of Words was established in 1995 in California and conducts training workshops for teachers, park naturalists, librarians, and other adults who work with young people.

Every year River of Words works with The Library of Congress Center for the Book to conduct a free international poetry and art contest for youth on the theme of WATERSHEDS. The contest is designed to help youth explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The winners of this year's contest will be announced April 25.

View artwork from previous years' contest winners on the online Art Gallery.

Read poetry from previous years' contest winners on the online Poetry Gallery.

Teachers: Be sure to check out the integrated "Watershed Explorer's" curriculum materials that incorporate natural sciences into an arts and letters format.

Learn more about the mission and projects of this amazing literacy organization at their website: River of Words.

To investigate other literacy organizations, visit the Library of Congress website and its list of partners.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Today, April 2nd, is Library Legislative Day in Boston

MA Residents Encouraged to Support Libraries

The American Library Association encourages ALL Massachusetts residents to send email messages to state leaders imploring them to support library funding. Library usage continues to rise, so funding is critical. Here's why:

* People are using computers and other resources at libraries to prepare resumes, search for work, and apply for jobs online.

* Libraries save money for residents of Massachusetts! In these times people are borrowing library materials-books, CD’s and DVD’s to make it through these tough times.

* Those who never could, or who now cannot afford a monthly Internet charge, are using the free terminals at the library to bridge their digital divide.

* School librarians are teaching essential 21st century learning and thinking skills including critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, collaboration skills, and information and media literacy skills. Kids need to learn these skills now! Without these skills Massachusetts will not be able to compete in the global marketplace.

* Libraries are helping thousands of residents everyday.

Click here to Take Action Now and learn more!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April Marks National Poetry Month

30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 with the ultimate goal of widening the attention of individuals and the media—to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern. This year the Academy offers a list of 30 ways (one activity for each day of the month!) you can celebrate National Poetry Month. Here's ten from their extensive list:

1. Read a book of poetry.
2. Memorize a poem.
3. Revisit a classic poem. Maybe a Shakespearean sonnet?
4. Put poetry in an unexpected place...perhaps the bathroom mirror?
5. Bring a poem to your place of worship.
6. Attend a poetry reading at your bookstore, library, or coffee shop.
7. Support a literary organization.
8. Take a poem out to lunch.
9. Recite a poem to family or friends.
10. Add your favorite verse to your email signature.

Visit poets.org to discover the remaining 20 ways you can celebrate National Poetry Month! Which is your favorite? What other ideas can you come up with?

TEACHERS! Be sure to check out the Academy's Tips for Teachers for great classroom poetry activities!

Poetry lovers who also enjoy American history may delight in reading Gregory Maguire's poetic metaphor about the White House titled "Looking In, Looking Out" and Nikki Grimes' poem about a blind student's visit to the White House titled "Staking Claim." Both are available exclusively on ourwhitehouse.org.

Also be sure to review the diverse poetry included in the printed anthology Our White: Looking In, Looking Out, which is available in libraries and bookstores. Included in the Our White House collection are Jane Yolen's imagined conversation between John and Abigail Adams titled "The White House First Residents," Jack Prelutsky's humorous poem about the Clinton's cat titled "I Live in the White House," Jon Scieszka's rhyme titled "The White House," Lee Bennett Hopkins' poem titled "Good Nights," Kate DiCamillo's touching piece about Lincoln's death titled "In Early April," and Paul B. Janeczko's haunting "Mary Todd Lincoln Speaks of Her Son's Death, 1862."

Learn more about Our White House at ourwhitehouse.org.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

White House News: Kitchen Garden Dug on South Lawn

The Kitchen Garden Returns to the White House

Last week First Lady Michelle Obama organized a digging party at the White House--the first step in planting a kitchen garden. A crew of twenty-six enthusiastic school children helped dig up sod so that crops such as spinach, broccoli, raspberries, and various herbs can be planted on the South Lawn. The garden's harvest will not only help feed the first family and White House guests, but also visitors to the nearby soup kitchen, Miriam's Kitchen. Not since Eleanor Roosevelt lived in the White House has a kitchen garden contributed to the daily meals of the first family.

In an interview with the New York Times, Mrs. Obama stated her purpose in planting the garden, “My hope is that through children, they will begin to educate their families and that will, in turn, begin to educate our communities.”

Young people can learn more about the delicious history of White House kitchen gardens by reading Stephanie Loer's essay "White House Colonial Kitchen Gardens" in the NCBLA's art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. Our White House is available in libraries and bookstores throughout the country.

Also be sure to read A Taste of the Past: White House Kitchens, Menus, and Recipes
by Mary Brigid Barrett, which is available exclusively on ourwhitehouse.org. A Taste of the Past provides a tasty sampler of White House kitchen stories, recipes, menus, and activities for young people. You can discover what Abraham Lincoln ate at his Inaugural Luncheon and decide whether you might be tempted by President Eisenhower's personal recipe for Green Turtle Soup. (Squeamish minds BEWARE! The recipe begins, "Cut off the head from a live green turtle and drain the blood.")

For more information about Mrs. Obama's ground-breaking ceremony for the garden, visit "Ground is broken for White House 'kitchen garden'."

To learn more about Our White House, visit ourwhitehouse.org.

Our White House Named Teachers' Choices Selection

Our White House Recognized as Enjoyable for Kids

Teachers’ Choices is an annual project of the International Reading Association. Each year, teachers, reading specialists, and librarians from different regions of the United States select books for readers ages 5 to 14 to include on an annotated reading list of new books that will encourage young people to read. The Teachers' Choices project aims to select books "that kids will enjoy—and that contribute to learning across the curriculum." Books are selected from new publications donated by North American publishers. At least six teachers or librarians in each region read each book; some books are read by as many as 200 people in a single region.

The NCBLA is thrilled that Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out has been selected as one of this year's Teachers' Choices!

The complete Teachers’ Choices list of 30 titles will be announced at the IRA Conference this May and then published in the November issue of The Reading Teacher. The list will also be made available online on the IRA website, where you can also find lists of winning titles from previous years.

The Awards for Our White House Keep Coming!

Our White House has been making headlines since it was published in September 2008. An incomparable collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, poetry, and a stunning array of original art, Our White House offers a multifaceted look at America's history through the prism of the White House. In addition to being named a Teachers' Choice selection, Our White House has also been awarded the following:

2009-2010 National Endowment for the Humanities We the People “Picturing America” Bookshelf Award

2009 American Library Association Notable Children’s Book for All Ages, Nonfiction

2009 National Council for Social Studies and the Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

2009 International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices Booklist Selection

Amazon.com Best Books of 2008 Top 10 Editors’ Pick for Middle Readers

Parents’ Choice Foundation Recommended Book Award, Fall 2008

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2008

The Horn Book Fanfare, Best Books of 2008

Publisher’s Weekly 2008 Best Books of the Year, Children’s Nonfiction

Publishers Weekly 2008 Cuffie Award, Best Nonfiction Treatment of a Subject, Honorable Mention

Scripps-Howard News Service Favorite Children's Book of 2008

Learn more at ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

Friday, March 27, 2009

In Tribute to an Esteemed Scholar of American History-

John Hope Franklin, 1915-2009

I was first introduced to John Hope Franklin by NCBLA Board Member Patricia McKissack ten years ago when the NCBLA Board of authors and illustrators panel discussion was the launch event for the Library of Congress's first National Book Festival. Pat and I were walking outside the Madison building crossing the street to get to the Jefferson, when Pat let out what can only be described as a delighted squeal, not unlike a teen's reaction to spotting a pop artist or a major league sports star--except that Pat had not spied Tiger Woods or Beyonce, she had seen John Hope Franklin walking down the street, one of our nation's most honored historians. Pat went right up to Mr. Franklin, reintroducing herself, and introduced me, too. We had a lovely chat with Pat sharing with Mr. Franklin how much his work had influenced her own historical research and notable writing. The phrase "scholar and gentleman" only begins to describe the impression made by Professor Franklin on one not so well versed in his work, and that fascinating encounter inspired me to read much more of John Hope Franklin's writing.

Over the course of eight years researching the NCBLA's recent publication, Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, I ran into Professor Franklin a couple of times. He expressed interest in the progress of Our White House, offered fascinating perspectives on the American Presidency, and helped me to visualize what the city of Washington would have looked like 200 years ago, the new capital of democracy, where slave pens and auction blocks were literally steps away from the President's House.

To be in the company of a great scholar, even for a few short moments, is such a privilege and an honor. John Hope Franklin vastly enriched our nation with his work. All of our children's lives are better because he walked on this planet. -- Mary Brigid Barrett, President and Executive Director, NCBLA

To read the New York Times obituary of and editorial tribute to Professor Franklin, go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/us/26franklin.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/opinion/27fri4.html?ref=opinion

For a three hour interview of John Hope Franklin, go to:
http://www.booktv.org/program.aspx?ProgramId=7433&SectionName=In%20Depth&PlayMedia=Yes

The John Hope Franklin Collection for African and African American Documentation:
http://library.duke.edu/specialcollections/franklin/

Thursday, March 26, 2009

RIF and US Airways Partner in Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge to Award Winners with a Disney Vacation

For a second year, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and US Airways are working together to help children nationwide discover the joy of reading.

Starting April 1, adults are invited to join the 2009 Read with Kids Challenge and help collectively log 5 million minutes spent reading with kids. You’ll have the chance of winning a family vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort® and more great prizes.

Get on board! Visit the Read with Kids Challenge website today.

Learn more about RIF at www.rif.org.

Legislation Proposal May Protect Children's Books

ALA Supports Amendment to Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Concern continues to mount regarding the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's (CPSIA) potential to remove books from children's hands.

To prevent such a drastic result, Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry recently introduced a bill that would amend the CPSIA by exempting books from the lead regulation. Fortenberry’s bill, H.R. 1692, officially states that CPSIA was not intended to apply to ordinary books – those books that are published on paper or cardboard, printed by conventional publishing methods, intended to be read, and lacking inherent play value. H.R. 1692 also states that testing has shown that finished books and their component materials contain total lead content at levels considered non-detectable, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that there is little risk to children from lead in ordinary books.

The American Library Association (ALA) issued a press release supporting the legislation. ALA President Jim Rettig stated about the bill, “We are grateful for this bill since it supports what the ALA, libraries, teachers and parents know to be true – books are safe and should not be regulated by this law.”

You can read more information on the ALA's website.

Friday, March 20, 2009

New Consumer Legislation Causes Concern and Confusion

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act May Reduce Children’s Access to Books

Librarians, booksellers, and publishers around the country have been grappling with how to interpret and act on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which is aimed at protecting kids by reducing their exposure to lead and other harmful chemicals in children’s products.

The problem for book handlers is that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) believes the law applies to children’s books and is particularly concerned about books printed before 1985. Previously, books have generally been considered safe and have not been subject to the same regulations as toys and other consumer products.

To comply with the CPSI Act as it stands, libraries and bookstores must test all their older books that are used by or sold to children. Testing is very expensive—about $300 per book according to Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director of the American Library Association’s Washington office. All books whose lead content exceeds the minimum must be removed, destroyed, or relocated so that children cannot access them.

The CPSI Act was designed to keep dangerous toys and consumer products out of our children’s hands and was signed into law (P.L. 110-314) August 14, 2008 by former President George Bush. The legislative bill, known as HR 4040, was sponsored by Congressman Bobby Rush (Democrat, Illinois). The Act went into effect February 10, 2009 and imposes strict safety measures on products made for children. Specifically, the CPSI Act requires that toys and products made for children under 12 be tested for lead content by independent labs and labeled with their material contents. Materials include paper, ink, covers, and glues. All products must meet new standards for lower lead content—no more than 600 parts per million in any part accessible to a child. Even stricter standards will become effective in August 2009.

Current Status: One Year Stay of Enforcement
Thanks to the lobbying efforts of groups such as the ALA and the Association of American Publishers, the CPSC voted on February 6 to issue a one-year stay of enforcement for implementation of the CPSI Act until February 10, 2010. The stay has provided a reprieve for now, but the ALA is continuing to work with members of Congress and the CPSC to exempt libraries from regulation under this law. The CPSC has, however, asked book stores to stop selling older children’s books that remain untested.

Learn More!
Read all 62 pages of the CPSI Act on the Library of Congress website at: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.04040.

Read detailed information about the CPSI Act on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML.

Read CNN’s article, “Libraries in suspense over lead regulations,” which describes the problems in the new legislation and includes commentary from consumer advocates and librarians at: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/30/lead.books/.

Review the ALA’s commentary about the CPSI Act on their website at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/woissues/governmentinfo/cpsia/cpsia.cfm

Read the Association of American Publisher’s letter to CPSC titled “CPSI Act Applicability to Books and Other Paper-Based Printed Materials” at: http://www.rrd.com/wwwCPSIA/Docs/LetterToTheCPSC.pdf.

"What's New in Children's Books?" at Boston Athenaeum

The Foundation for Children's Books Sponsors Half-Day Conference

Lovers of children's literature take note! The Foundation for Children's Books is hosting a half-day conference titled "What's New in Children's Books?" on Saturday, April 4 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Boston Athenaeum.

Featured speakers include: Sara Pennypacker, author of the award-winning Clementine books; E.B. Lewis, whose books have won the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; Author/illustrator Carlyn Beccia, whose latest picture book is The Raucous Royals; and Terri Schmitz, owner of the Children's Book Shop in Brookline, who will present her picks for Best New Books for Spring. This event includes refreshments, book sales, and signing.

Visit The Foundation for Children's Books for more details about this conference.

Congrats to Eric Carle!!!

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY
VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR!!!

Today is "Very Hungry Caterpillar Day" throughout the United States and thousands of kids, teachers, and families are joining in the celebration honoring not only that amazing caterpillar but its creator Eric Carle, a genius writer and artist, who has introduced millions of children to books and reading throughout the world. The world is a better place because of the gifts of Eric Carle.

For more information go to:
http://www.eric-carle.com/events.py

Be sure to take your children to visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in western Massachusetts, info at:
http://www.picturebookart.org/

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Voices from Our White House: Patricia MacLachlan

NCBLA Board Member answers questions about "Hands"

Welcome back to the NCBLA blog's weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

This week we feature NCBLA Board Member Patricia MacLachlan, award-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall; Caleb's Story; and Arthur. Her Our White House story "Hands" is about a young girl, Ellie, whose cat brings her to an encounter with Eleanor Roosevelt during a visit to the White House. Here's an excerpt:

"Wait, child," a woman's soft voice says. "I think I can reach your friend."
Ellie nods, not speaking. She watches the woman's hands, the fingers long and graceful.
The policeman runs up, and the woman holds out her hand to stop him.
"There," she says, gently taking Bitty down from the tree. She holds Bitty against her chest. "There. Had a little run, did you? This is your cat?"
Ellie nods, not speaking. She watches the woman's hands as they stroke Bitty.
The policeman comes closer.
"It's all right, Charles. Where are you parents, dear?"
"In line, waiting to see the people's house. Waiting to see Mrs. Roosevelt. She's a hero, you know."

NCBLA: Why did you choose to write about Eleanor Roosevelt, focusing particularly on her hands? What do you most admire about her?
PM: Eleanor Roosevelt has always been a hero to my family and to me. I admire her intelligence, independence, and bravery. I was captivated by the Chandor painting of her in the White House; a charming picture of her and her busy and expressive hands. They almost seem to speak for her, though she is expressive all on her own!

NCBLA: Why did you choose to write about a child's encounter with Mrs. Roosevelt?
PM: I knew that Eleanor Roosevelt would be impressed by the child in the story of HANDS...the child is independent, too, and could have been Eleanor as a child. And, of course, the two of them have the same name. Often the relationship between the old and the young is what my father used to call "authentic."

NCBLA: Eleanor Roosevelt is one of the most famous First Ladies. Which of the other First Ladies stand out to you?
PM: I've always been interested in Abigail Adams as well as others.
I think it is a difficult task to be first lady. Believe me, Michelle Obama has to attend to state affairs as well as raise two children. It is no small task, and I am prepared to be impressed by her!

NCBLA: What are your hopes for President Obama? Do you think Michelle Obama will join Eleanor Roosevelt as a strong and influential First Lady?
PM: My hopes for the present first family are for them to be as honest, straightforward and creative as they can be. It is lovely again to have children in the people's house.

NCBLA: If you could have any job in the White House, what would you do?
PM: I would like to be the White House story teller or the White House dog; either would be fabulous.

For more information on MacLachlan, please read her Our White House bio.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Voices from Our White House: Linda Sue Park

NCBLA Board Member answers questions about "A Perfect Image"

Welcome back to the NCBLA blog's weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

This week we feature NCBLA Board Member Linda Sue Park, author of Seesaw Girls, When My Name Was Keoko, and the Newbery Medal-winning A Single Shard. Ms. Park's piece in Our White House, titled "A Perfect Image," is about her experience at the White House during the National Book Festival; she invited her parents, who recalled from their teenagehood in Korea the story of President Truman's piano breaking through the floor of a study. Here's an excerpt:

My parents were delighted to see a grand piano in the Entrance Hall. It was not the Truman Steinway...but it seemed to have been plucked straight from their childhood memories of the White House.

I went to get coffee. From across the room, I saw my parents talking with Mrs. Putin.

My parents do not speak Russian. To my knowledge, Mrs. Putin does not speak Korean. How I wish I could have heard that conversation, the English flavored heavily with the spice and salt of their native languages.

We asked Ms. Park a few questions about her piece:

NCBLA: Did you know the story of the Truman piano before going to the National Book Festival?
LSP: No. I didn't know the story until I set about writing the piece for the book. I had been asked to write something set during the time of the Korean War, so I called my parents and interviewed them.

NCBLA: What did your parents say about the experience afterward? Do you know what they said to Mrs. Putin?
LSP: My parents are my biggest fans--they're always very supportive and enthusiastic about my work. One of the nicest things about my career is that I'm sometimes able to take them along for the ride. This was one of those occasions: Now they can (and do) brag that they've had breakfast at the White House! And no, I don't know what they said to Mrs. Putin; I'm guessing it was probably small talk. But just the idea of my parents being able to talk to the First Lady of Russia--that was a thrill for me.

NCBLA: If you could have a tea party with a few past presidents, whom would you choose and why? What kind of food would you eat?
LSP: Bill Clinton and Teddy Roosevelt, because I think they would be a lot of fun and interesting to talk to. But for those two, I'd suggest a barbecue rather than a tea party. And it would be classic: ribs, corn on the cob, watermelon, iced tea and beer, maybe some pie. Food that you have to eat with your hands is almost always conducive to good conversation. And messy food is a great equalizer: When everyone has barbecue sauce on their hands and faces, things are just plain friendlier. Could we invite Mr. Obama too?

NCBLA: If you could pick any job in the White House, what would it be?
LSP: Menu planner. And Presidential Family Librarian. I'd love to talk books with the President and Mrs. Obama, and especially Malia and Sasha!

NCBLA: Your story reflects upon the cultural diversity of the United States; President Obama himself is a symbol of the same. How do you think President Obama will change the story of the presidency? What do you think or hope people will write about him in the future?
LSP: Of course like millions of other Americans, I have great hopes for Mr. Obama's presidency. But I'm feeling cautious and concerned, too, because I know he can't do everything, and he can't do it alone. He'll need help...from every last one of us. Will people step up and do what they can to help? Or will they sit back and wait for him to produce miracles? Because that wouldn't be fair to him or anyone else. But whatever he accomplishes in the next four or--hopefully!--eight years, the symbolism of his presidency is quite simply awesome. I get teary thinking about it: I find it deeply inspiring that I got to witness and participate in the election of the first American president of color. May there be many more. And now, if I can just hang around long enough to see the first woman elected president...

For more information about Ms. Park, please read her NCBLA bio or visit her website.

Monday, March 9, 2009

The Reading Connection Celebrates Its Twentieth Anniversary

Support The Reading Connection at Its Upcoming Event

Literacy supporters who reside in the Virginia area may want to add The Reading Connection’s upcoming fundraising event, “Of Wine and Words,” to their calendars. “Of Wine and Words” will be held Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the Hilton Arlington in Arlington, Virginia. Attendees to this event will be treated to a wine tasting, silent auction, and an art exhibit titled “Imagination Blooms,” which will feature work by children who participate in The Reading Connection’s programs.

The Reading Connection is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and families by helping them create and sustain literacy-rich environments and motivation for reading. Based in Arlington, Virginia, the nonprofit literacy organization will soon be celebrating its twentieth anniversary.

Please visit The Reading Connection to learn more.

Additional information about encouraging literacy, motivating reluctant readers, and establishing good writing habits is available on the NCBLA website. Here you can find valuable information and articles for parents, teachers, and others who value literacy, such as "Motivate Your Students to Write," "Great Books for Boys," and "Teachers! Set the Stage for Great Writing."

Monday, March 2, 2009

Celebrate Read Across America Day...All Week Long!

Grab Your Hat and Read with the Cat!

Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America Day, the nation's biggest read-in! Celebrated each year in honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, it's a chance for families, schools, libraries, and communities to join together and celebrate reading.

The National Education Association annually sponsors Read Across America. Now in its twelfth year, the program focuses on motivating children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills.

How can you join the fun?! Plan a reading event, and make it as simple or elaborate as time and inclination allow. Whether you choose to scale up or down, keep in mind the basic premise and it's almost sure to be a success. Find a good book and a cozy spot and read with your child!

For activities, book suggestions, and other resources to make reading special, please visit the National Education Association and Reading Rockets.

You may also want to check out the NCBLA's website, which provides additional treasure troves of articles and resources about reading and literacy, such as "Kids See, Kids Do: Become a Literacy Role Model" by children's author Mary Brigid Barrett and "Find the Right Book that Fits You: A guide for you to print and give children to help them find great books by themselves" by children's lit expert Stephanie Loer.

Voices from Our White House: Susan Cooper

NCBLA Board Member answers questions about "The Burning of the White House"

Welcome back to the NCBLA blog's new weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

This week we feature NCBLA Board Member Susan Cooper, author of King of Shadows, The Boggart, and The Dark is Rising series. Ms. Cooper's piece, titled "The Burning of the White House," is written from the perspective of a British soldier present at the burning in 1814. Here's an excerpt:

We marched up that great wide street in two columns, with two men in each column carrying a dark lanthorn. General Ross and Admiral Cockburn rode at our head. The President's House was a handsome broad building with stone walls and splendidly furnished rooms. The people had run away so fast that a banquet table was still heaped with food and drink for forty or more. We were all half-dead from hunger and thirst, and it was like heaven when General Ross cried, "Very well lads—fall to!"

We asked Ms. Cooper a few questions about her piece:

NCBLA: It is interesting that you chose to write from the perspective of a British soldier burning the White House. Why did you choose to tell the story that way?
SC: I thought it would be more interesting to show one of the British soldiers not as a stereotypical bad guy but as a real young man, with opinions of his own – right or wrong - about the reasons for the job he was doing. No doubt this is related to the fact that I grew up in Britain, though I’ve lived in the United States since 1963.

NCBLA: Who is your favorite president and why?
SC: I don’t know enough about all the presidents to have a favorite, but I have a very soft spot for Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was a brave man, a crafty politician and an idealistic reformer, and without his secret help the land of my birth would probably have been invaded by the Nazis in 1940.

NCBLA: The letter does not reflect well upon President James Madison. Who is your least favorite president and why?
SC: By the argument above, I suppose I can’t have a least favorite either, but since you ask, George W. Bush would be high (or should it be low?) on the list, particularly for the false justification of the ill-conceived invasion of Iraq.

NCBLA: If you could have lived during any period of American history, which would you choose? I'm guessing you wouldn't care for the War of 1812.
SC: I’ve always been fascinated by the thought of the Americas that existed before the Europeans came greedily colonizing both continents and changed them forever. I think I’d choose to have been born sometime around 1400 as a member of Dine, ”The People”, known to us now as the Navajo Nation. If they’d have me.

NCBLA: If you could have a tea party with a few past presidents, whom would you choose and why? What questions would you ask?
SC: I’d sit Thomas Jefferson next to Abraham Lincoln and ask them to discuss slave ownership. Herbert Hoover would sit next to Bill Clinton to discuss economic policy, and I’d put Warren Harding next to Richard Nixon to share views on ethics. Then I’d ask Barack Obama to sit at the head of the table, because it would take his calm wisdom to keep them all from thumping each other.

Ms. Cooper also wrote an essay about her personal experiences visiting the White House entitled "Memory of the White House," which can be found here exclusively on ourwhitehouse.org.

For more information about Susan Cooper, please read her NCBLA bio and visit her website.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Voices from Our White House: Gregory Maguire

NCBLA Board Member answers questions about "Looking In, Looking Out"

Welcome back to the NCBLA blog's new weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out, conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org and thencbla.org.

This week we feature NCBLA Board Member Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and his series of books for older elementary school children, The Hamlet Chronicles. Mr. Maguire wrote the opening piece for Our White House whose title, "Looking In, Looking Out," is the subtitle of the anthology. He writes about the House itself, how it has changed over the years, and the many people who shape its history. Here's an excerpt:

However, as for the trees, gardens, the world around the house—just think of the tendency of vines to trail, of hedges to poke and seethe in new growth. Of lawns to go to seed, given half a chance. The world outside the windows of any house has a habit of breaking free. One might as well try to govern the shape and spacing of the clouds in the sky.

We asked Mr. Maguire some questions about his piece:

NCBLA: I like that the piece begins as a scientific approach to the House itself, and later moves into the history surrounding it. What motivated you to structure the piece this way?
GM: To be frank, I have always loved making houses--from building blocks when I was five to renovations of my family's homes as a father. Since history is a kind of house of events in which we all live--and exploring history is like finding secret rooms in your house that are true, but rooms you never looked at closely before--I thought using the house as a concrete item and as a metaphor would be a usefully poetic way to approach the topic. Also, by taking a larger approach (the entire history of the house as a metaphor for our country) I could avoid writing about anything too specifically and then be accused, probably justifiably, for having failed to do accurate research and gotten my facts and interpretations wrong....

NCBLA: Did you learn anything about the White House that you did not know before writing "Looking In, Looking Out"?
GM: I did not know anything about the White House before I began except its address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and its color, and the general look of it on a postcard or the TV news, and the job you have to have in order to be able to count it as your private home. Beyond that, it was all a mystery to me, a deep dark secret. Well, except that it has a Rose Garden. That wasn't a secret. Also that it sometimes has an egg hunt. That wasn't a secret. But if anyone ever hid eggs in the rose garden and visiting children became horribly scratched by thorns, that is still unknown to me.

NCBLA: At one point you comment on the many physical changes that have been made to the White House over the years. President Obama has famously declared his intentions to install a basketball court, possibly replacing Richard Nixon's bowling alley. What would you add to the White House that's not already there?
GM: For President Obama to add a basketball court, well, that is mighty fine. If I happened to be President, which is not a job to which I aspire, I might add a private chapel, because the country would need a whole lot of prayers if they accidentally elected me President, and I would be the first one to start praying.

NCBLA: Who is your favorite president and why?
GM: I like President Lincoln but perhaps not for the same reasons that others do. I like him because he was (let's say this politely) somewhat unfortunate looking. He wasn't a glamour puss. He wasn't a media star. He didn't have the profile of a Roman god or a Greek triathlete or a Hollywood movie star. His very ordinariness of mien is in itself an example, and a reminder to us, that looks are superficial--on the surface--and what counts is what is behind the face, however handsome or ugly it might be. And what a beautiful, glamorous, gorgeous, attractive mind he had, and still has for us, if we take the time to read what he left us in writing.

For more information about this author, please read his NCBLA bio or visit his website.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Keep School Librarians in Schools!

School Librarians are often the First Casualties of School Budget Cuts!

The NCBLA urges you to contact your local school board and school department, your state legislators and education department, and your representatives to the United State Congress to ask for level funding for school and public libraries, and to keep state certified librarians employed in school and public libraries!

In times of economic crisis school and local libraries are needed more than ever and are usually the first casualties of local, state, and federal budget cuts.

The following is from a recent article in the New York Times:

"Ms. Rosalia, 54, is part of a growing cadre of 21st-century multimedia specialists who help guide students through the digital ocean of information that confronts them on a daily basis. These new librarians believe that literacy includes, but also exceeds, books.

“The days of just reshelving a book are over,” said Ms. Rosalia, who came to P.S. 225 nearly six years ago after graduating at the top of her class at the Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. “Now it is the information age, and that technology has brought out a whole new generation of practices.”

Some of these new librarians teach children how to develop PowerPoint presentations or create online videos. Others get students to use social networking sites to debate topics from history or comment on classmates’ creative writing. Yet as school librarians increasingly teach students crucial skills needed not only in school, but also on the job and in daily life, they are often the first casualties of school budget crunches"

To read more in the New York Times, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/books/16libr.html?em

To read more about how you can become a literacy-library advocate, go to:
http://www.thencbla.org/BPOSpages/becomeactivist.html

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/woissues/washfunding/fedfund/stimulusfund.cfm

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/gettinginvolved/fllan/fllan.cfm

Monday, February 16, 2009

Usage of Public Libraries Is Soaring Across the Country

Americans Enjoy Respite from Recession Woes at Local Libraries

Any devoted library patron could easily list the exciting range of resources and services offered by our public libraries—from printed books to audio books, movie classics to video games, and preschool story time to the tutoring of adults learning English as a second language. With our economy sinking even deeper into recession, book lovers and job seekers are hanging out at the local library, perusing the stacks and surfing the internet. The increased traffic is in fact breaking all kinds of records around the country.

The Boston Globe reported in January that usage of the Newark Public Library in New Jersey is up 17 %; new library card requests have increased 61 % at the Boise Public Library; and in Brantley County, Georgia, library computer usage was up 26 % in the last quarter. Computer usage is critical as the American Library Association notes that 73 % of all libraries nationwide offer the only free Internet access in their communities. The continuation of free computer and Internet access at our nation’s libraries is essential to millions of Americans who rely on these resources for getting jobs.

Despite the increased traffic at America’s public libraries, funding is being slashed and branches are in danger of being closed. Recognizing the tragic irony of the fiscal crisis, Emily Sheketoff, Executive Director of the ALA Washington Office, has stated that “Public libraries stand ready to help communities recover from this economic tailspin. Governors and mayors need to make sure that the funding for these multi-purpose economic engines is in place.”

What can be done to support funding for our local libraries?

The ALA website offers an action list, “Two Minutes Can Make a Difference,” that explains how you can advocate for public library funding. The action list includes not only ways to contact your congressman, but also means for staying informed and spreading the word about this critical issue.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Voices from Our White House: M.T. Anderson

NCBLA Board Member talks about "The House Haunts"

Welcome to the second installment of the NCBLA blog's new weekly feature, Voices from Our White House, a series of interviews with some of the talented contributors to the art and literary anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. This feature is conducted by NCBLA high school intern Colleen Damerell.

Our White House was created by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance. A collaborative effort by over 100 authors and illustrators, the book is the product of a desire to encourage young people to learn and read about American heritage. For more information, please visit ourwhitehouse.org.

This week we feature M.T. Anderson, whose books for children and young adults include Feed; Handel, Who Knew What He Liked; and the Octavian Nothing series. For his piece in Our White House, entitled "The House Haunts," Mr. Anderson wrote about the ghosts that some believe haunt the White House to this day. Here's an excerpt:

Some say that a British soldier killed on the White House grounds during the War of 1812 still walks the lawns with a torch in his hand. Others say that a dead doorman still welcomes visitors and that a dutiful servant, though deceased, still shuts off lights at night. Some say that Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams, bustles toward the East Room, carrying a load of laundry to be dried. When gardeners tried to dig up Dolley Madison's rose garden, she returned from the grave to tell them off--so they fled, and the garden remained. Roosevelt, Truman, and Hoover all heard Lincoln knock on their bedroom door; and when Lincoln himself was alive and well, Mrs. Lincoln heard the dead Andrew Jackson tramp up and down the corridors, swearing.

We asked Mr. Anderson a few questions about his piece:

NCBLA: How did you first learn about the supposed White House ghosts? Why did you choose to write about "The House Haunts" for Our White House? Have you always had an interest in ghosts and the supernatural?
MTA: I have always been fascinated by ghosts, even though I don't believe in them. I have a whole bookshelf next to my bed filled with ghost stories from around the country (and around the world). I knew that as a kid, the first question I would have about a historical place like the White House would have been, "Is it haunted?"

NCBLA: If you could meet one of the White House ghosts, whom would you like to meet—a famous past president like Lincoln or an unknown like the British soldier who walks the grounds? What would you ask a ghost if you met one?
MTA: Excellent question! I have to admit that I really would rather not meet any ghosts at all. But if I had to meet one, I might as well meet Lincoln. At least there'd be a good story in it -- and I could say that I'd had a brush with history!

NCBLA: Who is your favorite president and why?
MTA: That's a difficult one, because I think that the compromises that come with power (and that are necessary for one to remain in power) almost always modify a president's ideals. For example, one of my favorite presidents in terms of his beliefs is Jimmy Carter -- but he was not one of our most effective presidents, because of the complications of holding office and operating in a system that demands certain compromises.

NCBLA: If you could pick any job in the White House, what would it be?
MTA: Presidential cat.

NCBLA: How do you think President Obama will change the story of the presidency? What do you think or hope people will write about him in the future? Do you think he will be visited by a White House ghost?
MTA: Well, I hope, of course, that his ideals are not compromised in the course of his presidency -- and that he takes the current crisis and uses it as an opportunity to rehaul a system which is in peril of complete collapse. What I would hope is that in the future, people write about our generation as we do about those who lived in the thirties and forties -- that this was a period of suffering where we came together. This was the moment when we went from believing that the common good will somehow, mysteriously, arise from self-interest -- to believing that if we work together to make the nation prosper, we can all reap the benefits and the security. As for a ghost to meet Obama, I think we could all use a glimpse of Warren G. Harding to keep us on the straight and narrow. ... "Theeeeese are the chaains I forrrrrged in liiiiife..."

For more information on this author, please read his NCBLA bio.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Wheelock Family Theatre Events

The Theatre's upcoming season features literature-based shows

The Wheelock Family Theatre, associated with Wheelock College in Boston, will perform Seussical, Charlotte's Web, and Ben's Trumpet for their 2009 season. The Theatre supports local families and encourages children to become involved in theatre.

Seussical is based on the works of Dr. Seuss, who wrote many memorable children's books, including The Cat In The Hat, Horton Hears a Who, and Green Eggs and Ham. The Seussical characters are pulled from several Dr. Seuss books.

Charlotte's Web is based on the children's book of the same name by E.B. White. The book follows the story of Wilbur the pig and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte.

Ben's Trumpet is based on the Caldecott-winning book by Rachel Isadora about a young boy who wishes to become a jazz musician.

February Literary Events Around the Country

Celebrate Children's Literature Throughout February

Chase away the winter blahs by celebrating Valentine's Day with a wonderful book. Check out the following recommendations of love stories to savour and events to share with your entire family!

Why Buy Candy When You Can Share a Story?
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Horn Book has published an online list of riveting love stories readers in grades 7 and up will enjoy. Check out the Horn Book’s list of suggestions and find a book or two to thrill your favorite Valentine!

Kids Y Authors
Families all over New England are invited to visit their local bookstore this Valentine’s Day to meet a diverse group of fabulous authors and illustrators who are anxious to meet young readers of all ages! Authors and illustrators will appear at bookstores from 10:00 AM to noon.

You can join author, illustrator, and NCBLA President Mary Brigid Barrett, along with Grace Lin, Laya Steinberg, and Nancy Viau at CURIOUS GEORGE & FRIENDS, at 1 JFK Street in Cambridge, MA. Barrett will be signing copies of Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out and assisting visiting youngsters in writing postcards to President Obama.

Please visit Kids Y Authors for a complete list of participating authors, illustrators, and booksellers.

Small Graces: A Painting a Month to Benefit the FCB
Author and illustrator Grace Lin’s painting for February is currently being auctioned on eBay to benefit the Foundation for Children’s Books in Boston. This month's painting (right) is painted in gouache on watercolor paper and features the Chinese proverb: "Kissing is like drinking salted water--you drink and your thirst increases." The auction ends Friday, February 13. Visit gracenotes to learn more about Grace’s artwork and auction, or visit eBay to make a bid!

Artwalk with the Artist
The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas is hosting several events featuring artist and writer Ashley Bryan beginning Thursday, February 12. Ashley Bryan's numerous awards and honors include the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, six Coretta Scott King Honors, the Arbuthnot Prize, and a Fulbright Scholarship.

Visit the special events listing on the NCCIL's website to learn more.