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Gallimaufry Friday

The past seven days have been busy ones for lovers of childrens literature. Here are some of the highlights that kept me blogging and tweeting all week.

Last Sunday I stayed up past my bedtime to watch the Oscars to the end (11:30). Although much was ho-hum, Christopher Plummer and Meryl Streep gave classy acceptance speeches. I havent had a chance to see Hugo (its on my list), but I was still glad it snagged five awards. I did watch The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, a short animated film by William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, and you can too, here.

In sad news, Jan Berenstain, who with her husband Stan created the Berenstain Bears series, died last Friday at age eighty-eight.

I cant wait to get my hands on a copy of A Brief History of Picture Books.

Be sure to check out Februarys Carnival of Childrens Literature over at The Fourth Musketeer, cleverly tied to Mardi Gras. It has a fantastic roundup from kidlit bloggers, including a post by yours truly.

Publishers Weekly gives us a sneak peek of some upcoming fall  childrens books.

Yesterday was National Pig Day. I have a fondness for pigs (surprisingly smart animals), as does my daughter. Imagine childrens literature without pigs. Why, there would be no three little pigs, no Piglet, no Wilbur, no Mercy Watson.

And last, but by no means least, today is the birthday of Dr. Seuss, born in 1904. Here are seven facts you might not know about the good doctor, courtesy of Huff Post. Back in 1997, NEA started Read Across American and tied it to his birthday. There are tons of events throughout the country. Check here to see whats taking place in your state. March 2 is also the day the movie The Lorax debuts. Ive found other recent Seuss movies unwatchable (Jim Careys The Grinch. Need I say more?), and unfortunately this one might be another, at least according to a review in todays NY Times. for details click below