The Illustrations of "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure" Now Available in Online Gallery

Illustrations Created by Calef Brown, Timothy Basil Ering, Steven Kellogg, James Ransome, and Chris Van Dusen for All 27 Episodes of
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure

The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a national reading outreach project jointly sponsored by the NCBLA and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Originally published on the Library of Congress’ Read.gov website---and soon to be published in hardcover, paperback, and audio formats by Candlewick Press!---The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a buoyant, spontaneous experiment; a progressive story game just like the one many families play on road trips and at home when there is a power outage and kids play at camps and parties. It is a game in which one person begins a story, stops at a cliff-hanging moment, and the next person picks it up and continues until everyone in the group has the opportunity to contribute.  

Each episode is sumptuously illustrated by one of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure contributors  (Calef Brown, Timothy Basil Ering, Steven Kellogg, James Ransome, and Chris Van Dusen), each of whom took turns creating the illustration for their assigned episodes in true exquisite corpse style--without looking at what their colleagues had created for previous episodes.

Here is what Chris Van Dusen has said about painting illustrations for The Exquisite Corpse Adventure:

“All of my illustrations are painted in gouache (rhymes with "squash") which is kind of like an opaque watercolor. I paint on illustration board and I usually start with the background and work my way to the foreground. Since the writing is so wonderfully wacky in "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure" there are several images which would make great illustrations. Still, I choose my subjects carefully. I want to intrigue the reader with the illustration as I hopefully did in Episode 1. For this piece, I decided to lead off with a real (literally!) cliff-hanger.”

Chris painted the dramatic illustration for Episode 1, pictured here at top right.

To maximize the educational impact of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure, the NCBLA partnered with the Butler Children’s Literature Center at Dominican University to create an online Education Resource Center complete with supplemental articles, classroom activities, bibliographies, art activities, discussion questions, and more!

Included in the Education Resource Center are extensive "Talk Art!" appreciation activities and discussion questions created by Mary Brigid Barrett for Episodes 1 through 19. (The activities for Episodes 20 - 27 are coming soon!) Here is a sample of the "Talk Art!" activity for Episode 1:

Draw four horizontal rectangles on the board or on a large sheet of paper. In the first rectangle, draw a long somewhat straight horizontal line that contacts the left and right side of the rectangle. In the second rectangle draw a horizontal softly wavy line that contacts the left and right side of the rectangle. In that third rectangle draw a straight diagonal line from a bit above the bottom  left corner to a bit below the top right corner. In the last rectangle draw a jagged diagonal line—like a lightning bolt— from a bit above the bottom  left corner to a bit below the top right corner.

Talk about the line drawing in each rectangle—does the simple drawn line evoke any emotional response?  Ask them which drawn line in that rectangular space makes them feel safe? Do any of the lines make them feel calm or even at peace? Which two lines are restful? Which two lines are more exciting? Is there a line that looks almost dangerous? WHY? Then ask them if these were realistic drawings, simple landscape panoramas they might encounter in real life, what landscapes come to mind? Why do certain landscapes like a pasture and big sky, or a view looking out over the soft rolling waves of a lake or ocean make us feel calm, relaxed, even safe and secure?  Ask them what real landscapes come to mind looking at the two diagonal lines.  Why do diagonals of any kind bring out a more energized emotion—especially jagged diagonals?

Be sure to take a look at ALL the illustrations created for The Exquisite Corpse Adventure in the gallery of illustrations on the facebook page of The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance.

Share a Story This Fourth of July

Article on OurWhiteHouse.org Profiles Origins of "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Try your luck at a few trivia questions about our national anthem: Do you know what battle inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner?" Did you know our national anthem was originally given a different title? Why is the "The Star-Spangled Banner" played at baseball games?

You can learn the answers to these questions and more in the article "Star-Spangled Presidents" by Helen Kampion on OurWhiteHouse.org. On this fourth of July, why not take a few moments today to share the dramatic story of our national anthem' history with the young people in your life? 

While visiting OurWhiteHouse.org, be sure to check out the vast array of other articles, resources, and activities that help young people connect with American history. And be sure to ask for the art and literature anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out at a library or bookstore near you.

In Case You Missed It!

New York Times Article Profiles Author and Illustrator Tomi Ungerer

In the New York Times article "An Author Embodies His Books' Childlike Spirit," journalist Pamela Paul interviews Tomi Ungerer, author and illustrator of books for children and adults. When asked if there is an overriding message in his children's books, Ungerer answers, "Yes, possibly. Every human being has something the others don’t have. That makes him an individual. You should be aware of your differences and exploit them. This is why I often use animals that everyone hates — a snake, a vulture, a bat — in my books. All those animals are redeemed by the fact that they had appendages or qualities the others didn’t have. In the end they become the heroes."
 

Click here to read the complete article. Learn more about Tomi Ungerer and his work on his website.

Open the NCBLA's Summer Adventures Treasure Chest!

Online Resource Offers Extensive Ideas for Summer Reading Fun

 Whether your summer adventures take place at a sun-splashed beach or the cool mountains, at Grandma’s house or your own backyard, be sure to give reading a starring role!

A perfect place to get some ideas on how to get started is the NCBLA's Summer Adventures Treasure Chest! Crammed full of adventurous ideas and helpful information, you'll want to check out "Beyond the Book: Take a Literary Field Trip," our extensive "Reading List Suggestions for Kids and Families," (which includes direct links to authoritative recommendations from the NCBLA, Reading Rockets, AdLit.org, and the Horn Book), extensive information about playing progressive story games, plus articles like "The Anti-Boredom Travel Backpack" and "Getting Your Teens and Tweens Reading this Summer."

Classic Reading Adventures on Read.Gov

Currently Featured: The Rocket Book

Awaiting readers of all ages on Read.Gov is a treasure trove of classic books scanned from their original pages into a reader-friendly, electronic format. This virtual book reader enables you to "turn" each page with the click of a button. Also included is the capability to look closely at all  pages of the book, including the book cover and the original illustrations, by zooming in and out.

This month's featured book is The Rocket Book by Peter Newell, published by Harper & Brothers in 1912. The Rocket Book tells the story of the upward progress of a rocket, lit in the basement by the janitor's son, which causes some strange situations as it passes through 20 floors of apartments! Read it now.

Be sure to check out the complete list of classic books on Read.Gov. Available books are organized into groups of books aimed at kids, teens, and adults. Fun for kids are Denslow's Mother Goose and The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Teens will enjoy the sumptuously illustrated The Arabian Nights published in 1909.

Activist Alert: New York Public Libraries at Risk

New York Public Libraries
Threatened by $40 Million Cut

The most severe budget cut ever faced by The New York Public Library was announced on May 6 as part of the Mayor's Executive Budget. "The proposed cut of $36,800,000 is even worse than the cuts to the Library in the 1970s, when New York was on the brink of bankruptcy," Library President Paul LeClerc said.

"If funding is not restored we will be forced to drastically reduce critical library services for New Yorkers. Ten libraries would have to close; those that remain open would have their hours reduced to an average of just 4 days per week. The cut would also result in the loss of 736 staff positions--36% of our workforce. Today record numbers of New Yorkers are relying on their libraries for free job information, Internet access, computer classes, business information, after-school programs, and much more. This budget would force us to reduce or eliminate services at the time they are needed most. That's why we look forward to working with the City Council and the Mayor to restore funding for libraries."

The cuts would leave New Yorkers with:

• 5.8 million fewer visits to libraries (including 1.8 million fewer by children and young people)
• 5.7 million fewer items circulated 
• 2 million fewer computer sessions 
• In the Central Bronx, where 82% of families earn less than $50,000 per year, there would be 880,000 fewer visits and 632,000 fewer items circulated.
• In Lower Manhattan where 72% of families earn less than $50,000 per year, there would be 1.1 million fewer visits and 1.3 million fewer items circulated.
• In Staten Island there would be 543,000 fewer visits, and 659,000 fewer items circulated.

The New York Public Library currently receives 18 million visits annually to its 90 libraries and another 26.5 million visits each year to its website, www.nypl.org.

 

The New York Public Library needs your help to fight the worst funding cut in its 100-year history.  Visit the NYPL's Take Action website to learn how you can help.

Summer Reading Resources Abound!

Study Proves the Value of Summer Reading Programs

Teachers and librarians agree that young people who read throughout the summer months fare much better when school doors reopen in the fall. A study published by Dominican University last year proved the effectiveness of summer reading programs offered by local libraries. According to Dr. Susan Roman, dean of Dominican University’s GSLIS and the project administrator for the study, “This study definitively shows that summer reading programs play a significant role in preventing summer reading loss and that public libraries provide an important bridge between academic years. Based on the study’s findings, it is also clear that investing more resources in summer reading programs especially in economically depressed areas can contribute to closing the achievement gap that is plaguing our country.”

Read the study: "Public Library Summer Reading Programs Close the Reading Gap."

Beef Up Kids' Required Reading with Themed Lists Aimed at Their Interests

For parents and guardians who are looking beyond their child's required list of reading, the summer reading program offered at your local library is a great place to start. Be sure to talk to the librarian in the children's room or teen department to find out what's hot with kids this summer and to get tips on how to keep your kids reading. Librarians are also excellent resources for parents who need advice on helping struggling readers and  reluctant readers.

Also be sure to check out the following themed reading resources offered by the National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance and other literacy and literature organizations:

American Heroes Series I: Folklore Legends

American Heroes Series II: Historic and Cultural Heroes in Bibliographies for Young People

Great Books for Boys

Dog Day Reading

Home Run Reading: Baseball and Books for Kids

Discovering Fantasy Beyond Harry Potter

The Horn Book's Summer Reading Lists
Reading Rockets Summer Reading Lists 

Ad.Lit.org's Summer Reading Lists

For a digital reading adventure, share the electronic pages of some fabulous Classic Books on Read.Gov, such as The Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and The Secret Garden, all of which feature the complete texts and illustrations of the originals.

A treasure trove of adventure awaits readers of all ages in these books of yesteryear. The class book lists are organized into the following age groups: kids,  teens, and adults. Adults won't want to miss "A Few Tales of the Rail" and "Masquerades, Tableaux and Drills."

NCBLA: National Report Card Dismal News-

Only 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders and 12 percent of high school seniors demonstrated proficiency on the nation wide American history exam!

"History advocates contend that students’ poor showing on the tests underlines neglect shown to the subject by federal and state policy makers, especially since the 2002 No Child Left Behind act began requiring schools to raise scores in math and reading but in no other subject. The federal accountability law, the advocates say, has given schools and teachers an incentive to spend less time on history and other subjects. 'History is very much being shortchanged,' said Linda K. Salvucci, a history professor in San Antonio who is chairwoman-elect of the National Council for History Education." From The New York Times article: 
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/15/education/15history.html?_r=1&hp

Because we feel that universal literacy is essential to a healthy democracy, and that there is a direct link between literacy, historical literacy, and civic engagement The National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance published Our White House, Looking In, Looking Out to encourage and inspire young people to know more about their nation's history.

The Our White House book  illustration above of George Washington looking out over the Potomac is by Bagram Ibatoulline. Below are more incredible illustrations from Our White House, art that will peek a young person's curiosity about American history.

An illustration of Thomas Jefferson in the first White House garden by S.D. Schindler makes Jefferson seem human and approachable.















This poignant portrait of Lincoln and his son by Chris Sheban illustrate a moving poem, In Early April, by Kate DiCamilllo.

A beautiful illustration by Leo and Diane Dillon of Mary Lincoln and her friend and seamstress Elizabeth Keckly in a inspiring story of their friendship by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack.

Illustrator Emily Arnold McCully show young people the very first White House protesters--suffragettes!







You will find these illustrations and many more inspiring paintings, poems, and real life stories about our nation's history in the NCBLA's multiple award-winning publication Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. Ask for it at your local library or bookstore.and share it with the young people in your life. We are all responsible for educating our nation's youth!

National Book Festival Website Now Available!

Celebrate the Joys of Reading Aloud!

National Book Festival

September 24-25

Readers of all ages are invited to attend the 11th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are honorary chairs for the event. The festival is free and open to the public.

Visit www.LOC.GOV/bookfest to download the festival poster created by artist Jon J Muth and learn more about this enchanting event!

Father's Day is This Sunday, June 19

Celebrate with Stories and Activities

Read Together!

If you are looking for heartwarming stories to share with fathers, grandfathers, and the other loving men in your life, be sure to check out the annotated lists of book recommendations compiled by Reading Rockets. Find some books to share this Father's Day weekend on the Fabulous Fathers list and the Reading with Dad list. Both lists include beloved books that celebrate fathers and grandfathers--books that are perfect for sharing with kids through age 12. 

 

Learn Together!

Two times in our nation's history a father and son have both been elected to the presidency. Do you know who they were? Check out the article and lesson titled "Like Father, Like Son: Presidential Families" on EDSITEment!   

 

You can dig deeper into the American presidency in the NCBLA's anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out. Learn more about this creative tour de force, in which 108 renowned authors and illustrators have donated their poetry, prose, and art to help advance the cause of young people’s literacy and historical literacy at OurWhiteHouse.org.

Help Your Child Send an E-Card

Download your own Father's Day e-card, which features the delightfully bold artwork of Javaka Steptoe. Steptoe is a young artist, designer, and illustrator. His debut work, In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers, earned him the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

Read Up on the Value of Reading

Don't forget to check out the literacy resources for parents available on thencbla.org, where you will find such helpful articles as "I Will Read to My Kids--If I Ever Find the Time!" and "Kids See, Kids Do! Become a Literacy Role Model."

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Ask Your Senators to Sign Library Funding Letter

Twenty One Senators Have Signed the Library Funding Letter

More Signatures Needed

The deadline to sign the letter written by Senators Jack Reed and Olympia Snowe in support of federal funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries has been extended to Friday, June 10. 

Libraries experienced major cuts at all levels in fiscal year 2011. School and public libraries cannot continue to provide essential services without increased funding in fiscal year 2012. 

The following lists the senators who have signed the letter. If your senators are not on this list, please call them at (202) 224-3121. When they agree to sign the letter, please ask them to  contact Elyse Wasch in Senator Reed’s office if they are Democrats or Matthew Hussey in Senator Snowe’s office if they are Republicans. THANK YOU!

Reed – RI
Snowe – ME
Levin – MI
Rockefeller – WV
Leahy – VT
Udall, Tom – NM
Schumer – NY
Boxer – CA
Akaka – HI
Whitehouse – RI
Gillibrand – NY
Johnson, Tim – SD
Shaheen – NH
Sanders – VT
Lautenberg – NJ
Mikulski – MD
Kerry – MA
Cardin – MD
Kohl – WI
Menendez – NJ
Durbin - IL

Simmons College Sponsors Children's Literature Summer Institute

The Body Electric

A Symposium: July 5 - July 28, 2011

An Institute: July 28 - July 31, 2011

"The Body Electric," sponsored by The Center for the Study of Children's Literature at Simmons College in Boston, will be held the last weekend in July, commencing on Thursday evening, July 28th and concluding Sunday noon, July 31st. The preceding symposium will be taught by Associate Professor Kenneth Kidd from the University of Florida where his interests include nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature, gender studies/queer theory, and children's literature and media; it will run Tuesday and Thursdays beginning July 5th and will culminate with the Institute. 

The speakers who will attend the Institute are M. T. Anderson, Bryan Collier, Victoria Bond, Sharon Draper, Brian Floca, Helen Frost, Jack Gantos, Mordicai Gerstein, Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, Karen LaFleur, Grace Lin, Cathryn M. Mercier, Barbara O'Connor, Sara Pennypacker, T. R. Simon, Tommy Simpson, David Small, Jacqueline Woodson, and Gene Luen Yang.

The symposium earns four semester hours of graduate credit; enrollment in the institute is on a non-credit basis. Click here to learn more.

FINAL DAY to Sign Onto Library Support Letter!

Help Save Library Funding!

Senators Jack Reed and Olympia Snow Lead Effort to Increase FY2012 Library Funding

If you and your family value public and school libraries, please take a moment to call both of your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and ask them to sign onto the letter written by Senator Reed and Senator Snowe by close of business TODAY. 

Senators Jack Reed and Olympia Snowe are leading an effort to increase support for FY2012 federal funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries.  Tell your senators’ staffers to contact Elyse Wasch in Reed’s office or Matthew Hussey in Snowe’s office.  We need other senators to sign the Reed-Snowe letter as soon as possible.  Please call immediately.

Click here to read the letter.  

You can get more information about your senators and their office hours on the ALA website.