Sharp on Books

Today was a wonderful day of getting hepped up about children's books published in 2009. (Do you have any idea how many books were published in 2009? The answer can be found at the end of this blog.) Through work, I was able to spend all day in a seminar called "What's New in Children's Books with Dr. Peggy Sharp" presented at the NSLS facility. Holy cow...there were so many fabulous books presented it made my heart sing and my head spin!

We saw picture books, easy-to-read books, chapter books, novels, poetry books, non-fiction and graphic novels. We participated in creating a four-word synopsis of a fairy tale, did some group choral readings, composed a 140 character (or less) "Tweet Summary" of a story, learned what a "simpolate" is, and we partnered in a tell 'n draw activity (way to go, Jan!) after a presentation of the book There Was an An Old Monster by the Emberly 3's.

We learned about new trends (the macrabre), attention-grabbers (why snot is green), new authors, and authors who are still going strong decades after their first books were published. We devoured a box lunch and went back for more! Peggy Sharp was amazing! Even during the breaks, she answered individual questions and kept her energy level strong. She oozed her passion for books and connections made between books and readers.

Looking back, I realize I was taking notes like a madwoman, even with a 172 page book that accompanied the lecture. As I look back to review, I thought I'd share some of my favorites for you in Blogland to look for at your library soon - hopefully they will be available to you. We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have libraries with stocked shelves. PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!! Say "yes" to referendums, check out books, bring your child to Storytimes, attend programs yourself , and make friends with your librarians...we're not saying "Shhh!!" anymore!

Deb's must read book list:

THE NAME GAME by Donna Jackson

FAITH, HOPE AND IVY JUNE by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

THE PLOT CHICKENS by Mary Jane and Herm Auch

DAY OF THE PELICAN by Katherine Paterson

CROW CALL by Lois Lowry

I NEED MY MONSTER by Amanda Noil

MESSING AROUND ON THE MONKEY BARS by Betty Franco

BIG FROG CAN'T FIT IN by Mo Willems

THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE by Jacqueline Kelly

THE LION AND THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney

EVERYTHING FOR A DOG by Ann M. Martin

BUBBLE TROUBLE by Margaret Mahy

ONCE UPON A TWICE by Denise Doyen

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin

This list could go on and on. Unfortunately, I will be unable to read all the new books published in 2009 because that number is 13,000. And it's already 2010! Happy reading to you!