First off, congrats! Voices from the March on Washington is fantastic! Can you tell us how you got the idea for this book? JPL: All credit goes to George Ella. When we first met at the Redlands (CA) conference a couple of years ago, I suggested to her that we might do a book together. She sweetly agreed and suggested the theme of …
Featured Blogger: Lee Wind
This month’s featured blogger is Lee Wind, who blogs over at I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?. Lee’s a long-time active member of the Kidlitosphere, and we were happy he took some time out of his busy schedule to talk with us! Tell us a bit about your blog. LW: The idea behind “I’m Here. I’m Queer. …
List Fun: Ten Cybils Poetry Books That I Love
It’s always a challenge to select just one CYBILS Poetry book as the winner. Here are ten CYBILS finalists I love. Check them out for National Poetry Month. Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, written and illustrated by Adam Rex (finalist 2006): This was one hilarious poetry book for the first year of the CYBILS. The kids at my school check this book out …
A Quick Word about The Temple of Doubt
Remember back when we revealed the cover of our own Anne Levy’s book? Well… it’s in the next stage, and ARCs will soon be available. Anne is collecting a list of bloggers interested in reviewing the book to send to her publisher. If you’re interested, please contact Anne at me at anneboleslevy dot com. She will then pass along the list …
Interview with Candace Fleming
First off, congrats! We were all quite excited that The Family Romanov won. Can you tell us a bit about how you came up with the idea for this book? CF: Thanks for the congrats, Melissa. I’m completely thrilled about The Family Romanov’s Cybils win. I’m also thrilled to be here talking about the book. To explain where the idea …
List Fun: Fun and Funny Fantasy Read Alouds for the Whole Family
Family story time is a special time and if, like me, you have a wide span of years between your kids, finding a book that will satisfy all those young minds and hearts can be a challenge. Here are some books that combine fun adventure and humor sure to appeal and entertain everyone from the youngest kids able to listen …
We Need YOUR Help
Hopefully, you’ve been enjoying the interviews with the winners (I know I have!) and looking over our themed lists as they’ve gone up this past month. We have a lot more in store for you this summer… but we are also looking for participants! If you would like to be a part of the Cybils blog, we are looking for …
Interview with Cece Bell
First off, congrats! El Deafo is a fantastic graphic novel. Can you tell us a bit about how this book came to be? CB: Thanks so much. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the book! And let me give you a big thank-you for this award. It means a LOT to me. I’ve been off Twitter for a while and have …
List Fun: Kid-Friendly Biographies
As a panelist, we always discuss all books on their merits both literary and kid appeal. Sometimes, librarians find picture book biographies to be a tough sell. Not me! I am fortunate in my school to have the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing classroom, special education, and special area teachers. The third grade team at my school has created …
Interview with Maxwell Eaton III
First off, congratulations! Okay, Andy! is an adorable book. How did you come up with the idea for it? ME: Thanks so much! About four years ago I sketched a 32 page picture book about a slightly menacing curmudgeon of an alligator named Andy and an irrepressible raccoon of the same name. I loved the characters but the book was …