Fusenews: “Peppa Pig is likely to fall into American hands”

SLJ represent!  Though I could not attend this year’s KidLitCon (the annual conference of children’s and YA bloggers) many others did and they have all posted links to their recaps of the event here.  So while I could not be present, fellow SLJ blogger Liz Burns of Tea Cozy showed up and has a fabulous encapsulation of that which went on.  Lest you label me a lazy lou, I did at least participate in a presentation on apps.  Yes, doing my best Max Headroom imitation (ask you parents, kids) I joined Mary Ann Scheuer and pink haired Paula Wiley.  It went, oddly enough, off without a hitch.  Attendees may have noticed my gigantic floating head (we Skyped) would occasionally dip down so that I seemed to be doing my best Kilroy imitation.  This was because the talk happened during my lunch and I wanted to nosh on some surreptitious grapes as it occurred.  You may read Mary Ann’s recap here and Paula’s here, lest you fail to believe a single word I say.

• In other news, a list of baby names inspired by works of children’s literature.  I was particularly impressed by the Penderwick mentions.  Thanks to Jarrett Krosoczka for the link!

• Speaking of Penderwicks, the discussions fly fast and fierce over at Heavy Medal.  To my infinite delight, both Jonathan AND Nina are Penderwick fans.  Wow!  For the record, I agree with their thoughts on Amelia Lost as well.  That book has a better chance at something Newberyish than any other nonfiction this year.  This could well be The Year of Amelias (Jenni Holm has an Amelia book of her own, after all).

• Heads up, America!  According to an article in The Guardian, “The debt-laden businesses behind some of the biggest names in childrens’ TV and books are selling off some of the nation’s best-loved characters.”  Personally, I figure the Brits can keep their Peppa Pig.  It’s Bagpuss I want.  Or The Clangers.  I grew up watching Pinwheel on Nickelodeon so I’ve an affection for these.  Any word on the current state of King Rollo?

• Aw yeah.  Authors talking smack about authors.  Granted it’s living authors talking about dead authors (dead authors talking about living authors is a different ballgame entirely) but it’ll stand.  Two dude who write for kids break down J.M. Barrie, The Yearling, etc. and then end with unanimous praise for what I may consider the world’s most perfect children’s book.  Go check ’em out.

• Is Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick a “visual experience”?  If it isn’t, does that mean it won’t win a Caldecott.  And around and around we go.

• I swear, none of the Americans around here are discussing the fact that the man behind The God Delusion has written a book for children.  That kooky Richard Dawkins is at it again and The Guardian, at any rate, thinks that The Magic of Reality is worth considering.  Read an extract if you’re curious.

• Oh!  That explains it.  See, I always figured that my interest in children’s literature had some kind of tie to the fact that the earliest literature a human being encounters can have repercussions throughout the rest of their lives and, therefore, such books are of interest.  Turns out, I just can’t handle adult life.  My bad.  Thanks to Pamela Paul for the link.

• It is rare that the embroidery bloggers and the children’s literature bloggers intersect.  That is, until feeling stitchy (awesome) started the Covered in Stitches contest.  Folks are encouraged to stitch their own book covers.  And, as you can see from this Secret Garden (we’re all about the Burnett today) they have some mad skills.  Thanks to Elizabeth Thornley for the link.

• Who loves patches that feature boxing monkeys?  If you answered “anyone breathing” then have I got an offer for you.  If you read N.D. Wilson’s The Dragon’s Tooth (you did read it, didn’t you?) then you know that a jacket sporting a jaunty boxing monkey is mentioned.  Now you can get a patch of that image for your very own.  Details here.

• Ever since I went to Bologna I’ve been shooting my mouth off telling folks that next year Russia will be the guest of honor.  Well, they finally revealed who the real guest of honor is and the answer is . . . Sweden?!?  What happened to Russia?  Ah well.  Maybe next time.

• Now there is a good idea for a blog post?  Collection Development 101.  Anne of So Tomorrow has created a series where she discusses how one can be the best possible collection development specialist.  I can see all kinds of applications for this.  Very worthwhile reading, y’all.

• We children’s literary bloggers used to have more than one podcast to our names.  These days, there’s not much out there, with the notable exception of the Katie Davis podcast Brain Burps About Books.  So knowing that the Podcast Awards are nigh means that if we promote her, we promote ourselves by extension, you dig?  Katie sent me the following :

• Johnny?  From Cynopsis Kids:

Young Doctor Dolittle – A new animated series based on the popular Dr. Dolittle books by Hugh Lofting.  Penned by Martin Olson (Phineas and Ferb), the new series follows the adventures of 10-year-old Johnny Dolittle, who is able to speak to monster, and his teenage sister Debbie.  Young Doctor Dolittle is executive produced by Chris Lofting of the Lofting Estate.  Additionally, Waterman will also be offering the international DVD distribution rights to The Voyages of Young Doctor Dolittle, an animated TV special based on the original Dolittle characters, at the market.

• Amongst the many fantastic images at the tumblr Superheroes are for girls too, I found this delight. Now to locate a contemporary equivalent.

• Daily Image:

A typewriter that turns any word into a cocktail?

Make mine a Scieszka/Krosoczka.  Just to see what it’ll do. Thanks to Marjorie Ingall for the link.

Filed under: Fusenews