Fusenews: New Books and Deals

Brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and adorable baby Bird of a niece are in town this week-end.  Adorable baby Bird has finally said her first sentence.  Quote: "It’s a good book."  We are so very pleased.  That kind of thing deserves a present of some sort.  Perhaps a book.

• God’s thumbs! I don’t normally pull information from the PW Children’s Bookshelf because . . . well, I guess because I figure you guys have all seen this stuff already.  The information they send out once a week usually scoops all my other sources (though I have been known to post information here an hour or two before they do, for which I am inordinately proud).  I will draw your attention today to this particular piece of news that appeared on their site recently since it is so very very interesting. "Dinah Stevenson at Clarion Books has bought The Song of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Newbery Medalist Karen Cushman, for publication in spring 2010. In the novel, set in Elizabethan England, spirited Meggy Swann travels to London to assist her hitherto absent father, an unsuccessful alchemist. Elizabeth Harding of Curtis Brown, Ltd. was the agent."  Karen Cushman + the word "alchemist" = oh please, oh please, will someone send me this book?  2010?  I care not.  Gimme.

• Susan of Wizards Wireless tells us how to read the Harry Potter prequel Rowling recently wrote for charity:
  

"To read the story, go to the Waterstone’s website, click on "read our authors’ stories" and then select "J.K. Rowling" at the top of the list. It’s two sided, so after you finish the first half, be sure to click on the arrow on the right-hand side to read the second half. It’s hand-written, so it takes a little while to read. After you read it, come back to Wizards Wireless and vote in the new poll in the sidebar."

• This is what I get for not paying attention.  7-Imp just had a magnificent round-up of early chapter books (quite possibly the world’s most difficult kind of book to write/purchase if you want anything of quality).  One of the books mentioned is a new series called The Sunken Kingdom by Kim Wilkins.  I received this title in the mail a little while ago but hadn’t given it appropriate attention.  I see that now because who just happens to be the illustrated by none other than Monster Blood Tattoo author/illustrator D.M. Cornish.  Faith and begorrah!  And I really do love his art . . .

• Free books for kids?  Why that’s a notion so crazy it just might work.  Thanks to Bookninja for the link.

• J.K. Rowling speaks at Harvard and what happens?  The little snots start ragging on children’s literature.  Bound to happen I guess. "From the moment we walk through the gates of Harvard Yard, they constantly emphasize that we are the leaders of tomorrow. They should have picked a leader to speak at commencement. Not a children’s writer. What does that say to the class of 2008? Are we the joke class?"  Ten’ll get you five that in thirty years that punk kid tries writing a children’s book of his own and is shocked by its lack of reception. Thanks to Bookninja for the link.

• From Cynopsis Kids:

"WGBH Boston and Studio B Productions , have inked a master publishing deal for Martha Speaks TV tie-in books with Houghton Mifflin .  The first Martha Speaks tie-in books will be available in North American during fall 2009.  In addition, Houghton Mifflin is re-launching the original Martha Speaks book series this fall, which will coincide with the launch of the animated series on September 1, 2008 on PBS Kids.  Lindberg Licensing & Promotions was recently named the exclusive North American licensing agent for the property."

• Daily Image:

With all the recent talk about reading scores and how well our children are or are not doing, it’s always nice when The Onion is able to put things into perspective.

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