Every two weeks we compile, for your browsing pleasure, cool children’s book happenings (and peripherally related news) from around Aotearoa, the world and the internet.
There have been heaps of cool interviews across the internet lately, like this one with Paul Jennings and this one with Daniel Handler (Mr Lemony Snicket) and Lisa Brown about their new picture book collaboration. And Chelsea Clinton has written a picture book, too (yep, that Chelsea Clinton). Author, illustrator, artist and dad Oliver Jeffers has announced a new picture book.
Closer to home, novelist Rachael King has interviewed Ivan Coyote ahead of their Writers Festival appearances, and Pat Chapman chatted about her latest picture book, The Best Mum in the World.
We came across a couple of helpful lists: here are ten children’s poets and here’s a starting point for anyone who wants to check out YA from Australia.
In international happenings, J.K. Rowling tells fans not to buy the £25,000 Harry Potter prequel stolen in a burglary (so put your chequebook away) and the Guardian showcases the shortlist for the 2017 Klaus Flugge Prize for Childrens Book Illustration. In the US, major companies expand effort to support Federal Library funding and YA fans rule! And here’s the true story behind Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Her Mixed-Up Files (one of the best books ever).
In Aotearoa, Gecko Press have launched a crowdfunding campaign to kickstart their next business venture, the Curiously Good Book Club, and Paula Morris went to Otahuhu Intermediate.
Lastly, applications are now open for the University of Otago Children’s Writer in Residence. HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE!? Start the process to be the next Barbara Else here.