Cybils

KidLit Con 2011

 

Yes, that is your Cybils Overlord with superstar author Scott Westerfeld. Note that he is not only totally hot but that he is touching me. I was touched by Scott Westerfeld. Me. I did indeed wash that shoulder, but only because I had visual proof right here that he touched me.

Did I mention that Scott Westerfeld actually touched me?

Okay, I'm over it (seriously, honey, if you're reading this, I'm totally over it).

I attended the Kidlitosphere Conference in Seattle over last weekend. It was organized by our very own Jackie Parker and blogger/Bookslut columnist Colleen Mondor.

More photos below the break (sadly, not of Scott Westerfeld, who is totally hot. And who touched me).

Not Just Another Blog

If you haven't yet visited Just One More Book, the online home of Non-Fiction Picture Books judging panelist Andrea Ross, then you're missing out on a fabulous resource. On JOMB, Andrea and her co-blogger Mark Blevis post podcasts three times a week, discussing children's books and interviewing authors. I'm not sure there's any other kidlitosphere site quite like it.

In recent months, Andrea and Mark have posted a few podcasts relating to Cybils authors or titles. You might have heard the fantastic interview they snagged with Cybils Sci-Fi/Fantasy winner Neil Gaiman, talking about his Newbery win for The Graveyard Book, blogging and Twittering. If not, go click that link and listen!

Another recent podcast found the JOMB crew discussing Nic Bishop Frogs, the Non-Fiction Picture Books winner for this year. And, just this week, they took a look at NFPB finalist Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy. For these and a myriad of other excellent podcasts, go visit Just One More Book!

--Sarah Stevenson, Deputy Editor

Kidlitosphere Resources

Ever wished you could find a list of kidlitosphere blogs all in one place, but didn't know where to find such a wondrous item? Well, look no more, because there are no fewer than FOUR (and probably more...) fabulous collections of kidlit links to help take you on a tour of children's and YA literature from the perspective of writers, readers, librarians, parents, editors, and more.

The one that absolutely everyone should check out is the more or less "official" home of the kidlitosphere, Kidlitosphere Central. Find out who the usual suspects are in the kidlit blog world--including most (if not all) of our Cybils panelists, access some excellent lists of blogs, and get your info about upcoming conferences and multi-blog events.

You probably already know about our own Anastasia Suen (Easy Readers Category Organizer) and her gigantor list of blogs, right? If you don't, go check it out--it's organized by category and is nothing short of exhaustive!

There are also blog rings and aggregators for those interested in the latest posts in the kidlitosphere. The best-known blog ring is probably the one at NearCircle.com--it requires signing up, but you'll get code for your own site and you'll be able to see the latest posts from those blogs which take part. Lastly, an impressive number of children's lit blogs--with up to five latest posts--are aggregated at Alltop, which we found thanks to Graphic Novels panelist Gina MarySol Ruiz of AmoXcalli and Cuentecitos.

Here's to finding what you're looking for!

--Sarah Stevenson, Deputy Editor