Video Sunday: “Look, we have no time for this aimless parade of wrong hats.”

I guess the big news this week involves the Trailee Awards coming via School Library Journal.  The first major award to be offered to a book trailer for a children’s or YA book, the nominees are in and the voting (which you may participate in) will continue until October 22nd.  A couple folks have asked that I post their videos here, but rather than choose favorites I’ll just select one that no one asked me to post but that I thought was particularly neat.  Like this one by my childhood favorite, Mary Downing Hahn.

I’m not surprised to see Someone Named Eva listed in the “Student created for elementary readers (PreK-6)” category, by the way.  That book is HUGE with kids.  I get more random heartfelt comments on my review of that particular book from children than any other (with the exception of The Hunger Games, of course).

Well this next one is just enjoyable.

Admittedly, I’m more of a contralto fan myself, but I’ve nothing against mezzo sopranos. And certainly nothing against book trailers that read the whole books. That is a delight, every time.  For another delight, check out this interview conducted with Daniel Handler two years ago regarding the last Unfortunate Event.

We now turn our attention to Chicago, located not far from the land of my birth, and significantly windier.  There you will find two individuals who know how to have a good time.  The first is author/illustrator Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  When I give speeches and I touch upon viral marketing n’ such, I hold up Ms. Rosenthal as my example of brilliant low-budget marketing.  Now those of you in the Chicago area TONIGHT are in for a treat.  Ms. Rosenthal has an event planned this evening at 10:10 p.m.  I will let her explain more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCuSxTjdBxw&feature=player_embedded

Considering the sheer popularity of the first two events, I’ve little doubt that #3 will be spectacular.  I envy you your attendance, I do.

The second individual in Chicago has an event coming up, but not this evening (thank goodness).  It is not every author that turns their book into outdoor dance/fighting events, but James Kennedy is one.  And October 16th there shall be an event to defy all other events.  This video explains more and shows the previous Dome of Doom, complete with dancing toddlers, strange costumes, and (of course) a live brass band.

Sometimes you need a little help with a Video Sunday.  That is when I turn to Children’s Illustration for inspiration.  Julie never disappoints.  Recently she located a series of videos starring British illustrator Lynne Chapman talking about how to illustrate a book.  See, here’s part one:

For part two you can simply go here.  Thanks to Children’s Illustration for the link.

And for the off-topic video, even I am not immune to this.  How could I be?

Thanks to BoingBoing for the link.

Filed under: Videos