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Posts by Jen W.

John “PC” Hodgman Comes to DC!

Oct24
2008
Written by Jen W.

So, chances are that many of you might easily recognize the face, but not necessarily know the name. John Hodgman — book author, McSweeney’s scribe, NPR commentator, Daily Show Resident Expert, and What Book Got You Hooked? contributor – also just happens to be “that guy on the Mac commercials.” You know… the charmingly bespectacled, slightly nerdy one.

But what you, dear readers, may also not know about “La Hodge” (note: you read that here first) is that the man has A Following. A big one. Call it “Hodgmania,” if you will. And nowhere was that more in evidence than last night at the reading and signing of his latest literary offering, More Information Than You Require (Dutton Adult), at Politics and Prose bookstore here in the district.

Let’s just say there were people. Lots and lots of people. More people than an author signing requires. There was, of course, the expected Mac-worshipping, NPR-loving, McSweeney’s-reading types in attendance. But I would venture to say that there might have been a few PC users who braved the crowd as well. Especially the guy who came up to the microphone and posed the question: “Do you think we look alike?” (The answer was yes, so La Hodge #2 came up to the podium and took a photo with his doppelganger, to the crowd’s amusement.)

READ MORE »

Posted in Authors & Illustrators - Tagged Daily Show, John Hodgman, McSweeney, NPR, Politics and Prose

Art for Animals: Little, Brown Author Patrick McDonnell Signing Tonight!

Oct17
2008
Written by Jen W.

Hey, L.A.-based blog readers – there are some very special events going on in YOUR neighborhood this weekend that are not to be missed!

One of my favorite comic illustrators of all time and all around wonderful guy, Patrick McDonnell, will be at the Jack Gallery in Los Angeles tonight from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a special exhibition of over 50 original drawings and paintings and a signing of his latest book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, South (if you haven’t checked this book out yet, I recommend it – it’s one of my favorite titles of 2008).

In addition, an exhibition of Patrick’s work benefiting the YES! on Prop 2 campaign to stop animal cruelty will also be open to the public at the Gallery from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.  More information about these events can be found on the Mutts Web Site.

If you don’t happen to live in the L.A. area but are interested in viewing or purchasing the artwork that will be exhibited, you can do so online.

And don’t forget to check out Patrick talking about what authors got him hooked on reading as a kid by visiting First Book’s What Book Got You Hooked? site!

Posted in Books & Reading

Authors Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury Visit DC

Oct16
2008
Written by Jen W.

Earlier this week, two titans of children’s picture books, author Mem Fox and author/illustrator Helen Oxenbury, were in town for a special appearance to discuss the importance of reading aloud to your children and to celebrate the publication of their best-selling new book, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

The Reading Connection, one of my favorite local nonprofits, sponsored the wonderful evening at the Washington Post, which included a book signing afterwards.

Since both of these lovely authors are based overseas, this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them speaking and signing together. They regaled the capacity crowd with wonderful stories of their collaboration and how the book came to be under the gentle guidance of former Harcourt editor, Allyn Johnston (who now has her own imprint with Simon & Schuster). Their warmth, humor, and obvious love and respect for both children and the craft of writing and illustrating made for a truly memorable evening!

For more information about this terrific artistic collaboration, check out the recent Publishers Weekly interview with the authors.

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading - Tagged Helen Oxenbury, Mem Fox, Publishers Weekly, Reading Connection

Help Spread the Word for Henry!

Oct13
2008
Written by Jen W.

It turns out that Henry the Cat — one of First Book’s favorite furry authors (and believe me, we have a few) — is one of the top ten finalists for Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year Award! He could win $10,000 to give to others in need.

Henry is a three-legged cat with a heart of gold who raises money for our troops, kids who need books, and animals in need… and now he needs our vote. Visit Animal Planet’s site to show your support for this amazing can-do cat! (Be sure to scroll down and select Henry’s owner and “cat scribe,” Cathy Conheim.)

The winners will be announced on the December 4th “Animal Planet Heroes” show at 10pm.

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, General - Tagged Animal Planet, Henry the Cat

Happy Birthday R.L. Stine!

Oct08
2008
Written by Jen W.

First Book would like to take a quick moment today to wish author and wonderful First Book supporter R.L. Stine a very happy birthday!

Thanks for keeping us all splendidly scared for all these years, Bob — we love your books! (As you can see in this photo!)

Best wishes from all of your friends at First Book!

Posted in Authors & Illustrators - Tagged Goosebumps, R.L. Stine

First Book Celebrates The Carle Honors!

Sep25
2008
Written by Jen W.

On Tuesday night, First Book had the incredible pleasure of attending the third annual Carle Honors event, held at the University Club in New York City!

The Carle Honors, sponsored by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, is a unique set of awards designed to recognize four distinct forms of creative vision and long-term dedication to the art of the picture book and its vital role in supporting art appreciation, early literacy, and critical thinking. This year’s amazing list of honorees included Maurice Sendak (Artist), Vanita and Jim Oelschlager (Angels), Susan Hirschman (Mentor), and Jim Trelease (Bridge).

And what an amazing evening it was!  Everywhere one looked, there was an author or illustrator standing nearby – people like Chris Van Allsburg, Jon Scieszka, Rosemary Wells, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, Ashley Bryan, Matthew Reinhart, Robert Sabuda, Leonard Marcus, and Lois Ehlert, just to name a few in attendance. It was incredible to encounter so many talented people gathered all in one room!

In celebration of 2008’s Carle Honors recipients, First Book is happy to announce that we will be donating 5,000 new books to children in need in New York and Western Massachusetts. We’d also like to take a moment to thank our wonderful friends at the Carle, especially Museum Director Nick Clark, Assistant Director Rebecca Goggins and Board Member Leonard S. Marcus for their amazing support of First Book’s mission and for continuing to help bring the magic of books to children everywhere!

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading, Philanthropy - Tagged Ashley Bryan, Chris Van Allsburg, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Jim Trelease, Jon Scieszka, Kevin Henkes, Leonard Marcus, Lois Ehlert, matthew reinhart, Maurice Sendak, robert sabuda, Rosemary Wells, Susan Hirschman, The Carle Honors, Vanita and Jim Oelschlager

First Book Podcast: Tuck Everlasting Author Natalie Babbitt Chats With First Book!

Sep22
2008
Written by Jen W.

Our White HouseFirst Book recently had the pleasure of speaking with author and illustrator Natalie Babbitt , the author of the classic ALA Notable Children’s book Tuck Everlasting and Newbery Honor Book Kneeknock Rise, among many other titles for children. She is also a member of the board of directors of the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, a non-profit organization whose primary focus is to make issues related to young people’s literacy, literature, and libraries an ongoing priority on our national agenda.

Click below to hear our conversation with Ms. Babbitt about the mysteries of her home state of Ohio, the joy of illustrating, and her latest work, “Seven From Ohio,” featured in the new book Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out just published by Candlewick Press!

P.S. Don’t forget — if you plan to be in the Washington, D.C. area on September 27th, don’t miss other contributors to Our White House when they discuss its creation at the National Book Festival on the Mall!

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading, Podcast - Tagged Candlewick Press, Natalie Babbitt, NCBA, Our White House, Tuck Everlasting

First Book Podcast: Mary Brigid Barrett Welcomes You to “Our White House!”

Sep09
2008
Written by Jen W.

Our White HouseAs some of our readers know, First Book’s office happens to be located just a few short blocks from what is perhaps one of the world’s most iconic homes, the White House. We’ve all seen images of it, but very few of us know what life is truly like for those who live inside.

However, Candlewick Press’ newest publication, Our White House: Looking in, Looking Out, finally guides us past the Secret Service and lets us inside for a detailed, close-up look at the incredible events and people that have helped make the White House what it is today. This read-aloud family anthology, which contains contributions of prose, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and art by over 100 celebrated authors and illustrators, was conceived by award-winning author and illustrator Mary Brigid Barrett, who recently sat down with First Book for a lively discussion about this multi-faceted book.

Ms. Barrett also just so happens to be the founder, president, and executive director of one of my favorite literacy organizations, the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, a nonprofit organization whose primary focus is to make issues related to young people’s literacy, literature, and libraries an ongoing priority on our national agenda. All proceeds from the sale of Our White House will help support the work and programs of the NCBLA. (So go out and grab your copy today!)

And don’t forget — if you plan to be in the Washington, D.C. area on September 27th, don’t miss Ms. Barrett and other contributors to the book when they discuss the creation of Our White House at the National Book Festival on the Mall.

Click below to hear our conversation with Ms. Barrett about Our White House.

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading, Podcast - Tagged D.C., Mary Brigid Barrett, National Children's Book and Literary Alliance, Washington, white house

What Inspires a Bestselling Author Most?

Sep08
2008
Written by Jen W.

What do Charlotte’s Web, Peanuts cartoons, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and The Lord of the Rings have in common, you ask?

They all served to inspire bestselling authors Nancy Yi Fan, Mo Willems, Jeff Kinney , and Rick Riordan to get hooked on reading!

First Book is thrilled to include these amazing award-winning authors in this year’s What Book Got You Hooked? campaign. Check out their complete quotes and the titles that inspired other authors and celebrities by visiting the campaign online.  And don’t forget to vote for the state you think should receive 50,000 books from First Book while you’re there!

The campaign runs until September 15th, so don’t let YOUR state miss out on the chance to win new books. Keep those votes coming, everyone!

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading - Tagged Jeff Kinney, Mo Willems, Nancy Yi Fan, Rick Riordan

Tune-in Alert: Don’t miss author Nancy Yi Fan on Oprah!

Sep04
2008
Written by Jen W.

In May of this year, Oprah Winfrey devoted an entire episode of her show to the “world’s smartest kids” and their incredible accomplishments. One of the featured kids on the program was none other than HarperCollins’ youngest best-selling children’s book author and What Book Got You Hooked? contributor, Nancy Yi Fan!

Don’t worry if you missed the original episode back in May, however — the show was so popular that they’re running it again this Friday. So, be sure to tune-in tomorrow and catch Nancy talking about her bestselling Swordbird book series!

“For all the other kids out there who want to pursue their dreams, follow your dreams,” Nancy says on the show. “Truly nothing is impossible.”

Click here for more information and show schedule.

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading, General
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