How excited am I that MotherReader just announced the third annual 48 Hour Book Challenge? Um, very. The challenge is to read as much as possible during a 48-hour period in the weekend of June 6-8. I've always wanted to do it. The first year, I didn't find out about it until it was over. Last year I had to work at my second job the weekend of the challenge. I am determined to participate! Head on over to MotherReader's if you're interested in signing up or if you want to know more.
I also found out that the Chicago Tribune Printer's Row Book Fair is that same weekend... and guess who's going to be there??? Catherine Murdock, author of my beloved Dairy Queen and The Off Season (and Princess Ben which I am waiting for with bated breath)! Seriously, if you haven't read Dairy Queen, I really don't know what you're waiting for. (Oh, and by the way, there will be a third DJ book... apparently not until fall 2009, but it's coming eventually!)
Have you checked out the Children's Book Reviews wiki? It's a collection of book reviews by kidlit bloggers. Picture books, nonfiction, middle grade novels, YA... it's all there. This is definitely a resource to be aware of. I've started adding my reviews and if you're a blogger, I encourage you to participate. If you're a reader, it's a great place to find reviews and ideas of great books to read!
In case you haven't heard, Mo Willems's newest book is... The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! Mo had a contest going on to guess the name of the newest pigeon book. I can't wait to get it and read it.
Did you know they're making a movie of Larklight? Shekhar Kapur (director of Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age) apparently has been signed on to direct. (Thanks to Fuse#8 for the link!) I know several people in my department that will be extremely pleased about this. I haven't read it yet, but I'm certainly bumping it up in my list.
OH. And also, if you've ever wondered how to pronounce the publisher Houghton Mifflin, here is the answer. Honestly, I've always pronounced it wrong and the correct pronunciation is neither of the ways I thought it might be.
I think that's all the news I've got for you right now... Have a great Friday (and be sure to check out the Poetry Friday roundup, especially since it's National Poetry Month...!)
