Posts
"Let us turn our thoughts today
To Martin Luther King
And recognize that there are ties between us
All men and women
Living on the earth
Ties of hope and love
Sister and brotherhood
That we are bound together
In our desire to see the world become
A place in which our children
Can grow free and strong
We are bound together
By the task that stands before us
And the road that lies ahead
We are bound and we are bound..."
(from "Shed a Little Light" by James Taylor)
19 January 2004
Recognizing Studs
Terkel, that it. The National Book Critics Circle will present the remarkable author, oral historian, radio personality, and all around Chicago legend Studs Terkel with its Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award at their 30th annual awards ceremony in March. The nominees in several other categories (though, sadly, not young people's literature) have also been announced.
18 January 2004
Shakespeare to keep me warm
I want want want a nifty author blanket, but since my beloved Henry is not offered, I don't know if I want Poe or Bill...
More Wise Words
"Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die. And it is the youth who must inherit the tribulations, the sorrow, and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war." (Herbert Clark Hoover)
Words o' Wisdom
"I criticize America because I love her and because I want to see her to stand as the moral example of the world. War anywhere intensifies the possibility of war everywhere. When major world powers flaunt the authority of the United Nations and embark on unilateral courses of action they open the door to similar actions on the part of other nations." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Keep the Dream Alive
Every year, on Martin Luther King Day, The Boy and I read his words aloud. Every year, I weep as I read these words:
"In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred....
...No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
God bless Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help us all to keep his dream alive.
"In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred....
...No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
God bless Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help us all to keep his dream alive.
Injustice Alert!
My beautiful, charming friend, Miss Shannon, alerted me to the case of Marcus Dixon. I don't neccessarily agree with kids having sex, but I think it's pretty obvious that this case is at least partially racially motivated, else I suspect many more kids in Rome, Georgia would be imprisioned.
Huzzah!
The Boy has a 'blog of his own now! I don't know how often he will be able to add to it, but I will definitely be reading it (and sometimes contributing).
I *love* the Nac Mac Feegle!
Oh happy day! Terry Pratchett will be releasing a sequel to The Wee Free Men. The new book will be called Hat Full of Sky and is scheduled for release in June 2004. Huzzah!
Privacy vs. Security
Good article in our local Star about the US PATRIOT Act as it pertains to libraries. (Nice quote from Barbara Osuch, too!)
17 January 2004
I am very excited...
...that I have finally realized that I can put pictures right on my page. Yay!
AND... thanks to Comment This! I now seem to have comment capabilities! (Although I will have to figure out how to add a wee bit o' spcae between 'blog entries, since I don'y particularly care for how cramped it looks now.)
(Also, that my ten-year-old friend, Valerie, is sitting here with me as I update my 'blog.)
AND... thanks to Comment This! I now seem to have comment capabilities! (Although I will have to figure out how to add a wee bit o' spcae between 'blog entries, since I don'y particularly care for how cramped it looks now.)
(Also, that my ten-year-old friend, Valerie, is sitting here with me as I update my 'blog.)
Whine, whine, whine. Will I ever be happy?
Governor Blagojevich's wife, Patti, was on WBEZ this morning, talking about the plan to hand out books to all Illinois children under the age of five. The program will likely get started before the end of 2004. Okay. Fine. I am resigned to the the fact that this program will happen. (If libraries weren't in such dire straits and professional librarians weren't so desperately underpaid, I would even be doing the happy dance and celebrating such a positive program.)
But.
According to Mrs. Blagojevich, the first book given to newborn babies in the hospital will be The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.
I have nothing against this book. It is a fine book. It is a classic. Kids love it. Fine. Another book to be given during that first year is The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I love that book even more. It is amazing and wonderful and fires the imagination.
But.
But.
But these are not appropriate reading for an infant! Give these books to the children when they are three or four. But when they are brand new people, how about giving them some of the truly amazing board books being produced for babies? I'm not just talking about Pat the Bunny, either.
Here are a few of the books (in no particular order) that I think would be best during the first year of life:
* Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
* Where's Spot by Eric Hill
* Black and White or Big and Little by Todd Parr
* Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
* Big Book of Beautiful Babies by David Ellwand
* My Very First Mother Goose: Humpty Dumpty and Other Rhymes illustrated by Rosemary Wells (seems the board books of these books are out-of-print -- the full size book will be good, too, but not so baby-friendly in terms of chewability)
* Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathman
* Jamberry by Bruce Degan
* Wow! Babies! or Grow! Babies! by Penny Gentieu
*My Colors / Mis Colores by Rebecca Emberley
There are a gazillion fun books out there for kids of all ages. As adults, sometimes we are so anxious for children to love the books that we loved that we forget about age appropriateness -- in terms of language, length, plot, art... If we are to truly create a state full of greedy, voracious readers, we will need to consider giving children the books that are right for them.
But.
According to Mrs. Blagojevich, the first book given to newborn babies in the hospital will be The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.
I have nothing against this book. It is a fine book. It is a classic. Kids love it. Fine. Another book to be given during that first year is The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I love that book even more. It is amazing and wonderful and fires the imagination.
But.
But.
But these are not appropriate reading for an infant! Give these books to the children when they are three or four. But when they are brand new people, how about giving them some of the truly amazing board books being produced for babies? I'm not just talking about Pat the Bunny, either.
Here are a few of the books (in no particular order) that I think would be best during the first year of life:
* Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
* Where's Spot by Eric Hill
* Black and White or Big and Little by Todd Parr
* Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
* Big Book of Beautiful Babies by David Ellwand
* My Very First Mother Goose: Humpty Dumpty and Other Rhymes illustrated by Rosemary Wells (seems the board books of these books are out-of-print -- the full size book will be good, too, but not so baby-friendly in terms of chewability)
* Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathman
* Jamberry by Bruce Degan
* Wow! Babies! or Grow! Babies! by Penny Gentieu
*My Colors / Mis Colores by Rebecca Emberley
There are a gazillion fun books out there for kids of all ages. As adults, sometimes we are so anxious for children to love the books that we loved that we forget about age appropriateness -- in terms of language, length, plot, art... If we are to truly create a state full of greedy, voracious readers, we will need to consider giving children the books that are right for them.
A cautionary tale?
Author Olivia Goldsmith (The First Wives Club, etc.), age 54, has died following a coma brought on by complications from anaesthesia during plastic surgery.
15 January 2004
Magic!
I will readily admit that, in my greed for Story, I do not always read critically. Rather, I read passionately and with great prejudice. I often "love" or (more rarely) "hate" a book and happily share my opinions with whomever will listen.
Last night, I finished a book that filled me up utterly. The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is one of those books that fills up every corner inside of me with joy and reminds me of how magical and amazing and crucial Story can be. It was a book that I just wanted to hug to my heart -- physically hug -- because it filled me and warmed me throughout like the kindest sun.
It contained wisdom on the nature of Story and love and forgiveness and the healing of broken hearts. I lent the library copy of this book to The Boy to read and have convinced many of my "grown up" friends to read it, too. And then I wanted to read it all over and so went to Borders today to purchase it. (I am on page 107 again. It's still magic.)
I am left lighter and better and deeply contented by this remarkable book.
Last night, I finished a book that filled me up utterly. The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is one of those books that fills up every corner inside of me with joy and reminds me of how magical and amazing and crucial Story can be. It was a book that I just wanted to hug to my heart -- physically hug -- because it filled me and warmed me throughout like the kindest sun.
It contained wisdom on the nature of Story and love and forgiveness and the healing of broken hearts. I lent the library copy of this book to The Boy to read and have convinced many of my "grown up" friends to read it, too. And then I wanted to read it all over and so went to Borders today to purchase it. (I am on page 107 again. It's still magic.)
I am left lighter and better and deeply contented by this remarkable book.
And Dante says...
Apparently, if things keep on as they are, I am destined for Purgatory: "You have escaped damnation and made it to Purgatory, a place where the dew of repentance washes off the stain of sin and girds the spirit with humility. Through contrition, confession, and satisfaction by works of righteousness, you must make your way up the mountain. As the sins are cleansed from your soul, you will be illuminated by the Sun of Divine Grace, and you will join other souls, smiling and happy, upon the summit of this mountain. Before long you will know the joys of Paradise as you ascend to the ethereal realm of Heaven."
The Dante's Inferno Test has sent me to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test
Thanks to Arcade Attendant for the link.
The Dante's Inferno Test has sent me to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:
| Level | Score |
|---|---|
| Purgatory (Repenting Believers) | Extreme |
| Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers) | High |
| Level 2 (Lustful) | Moderate |
| Level 3 (Gluttonous) | Low |
| Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious) | Very Low |
| Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy) | Low |
| Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics) | Very Low |
| Level 7 (Violent) | Moderate |
| Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers) | Moderate |
| Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous) | Low |
Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test
Thanks to Arcade Attendant for the link.
14 January 2004
Yay, Philip!
Philip Pullman made this list -- "Sage Britons: after the richest, the sexiest and the greatest, the search is launched for the country's wisest person." (The sagest are listed in alphabetical order, but Mr. Pullman is definitely, rightly, listed!)
Finally a chance to see what all the fuss is about
Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ will open on at least 2000 screens on Ash Wednesday (25 February 2004).
I am utterly charmed
To be entirely honest, I wasn't super excited when I heard the winners of all the awards on Monday (although I was delighted Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was recognized).
But, since I am a super swell librarian, I decided to read the winners and see what I thought. I read The First Part Last first, since it was short. It was a pretty darned good book. My only complaint would be that I didn't like that the baby's mother suffered a debilitating illness. That seemed to push the book over into melodrama, and the story of a teenage boy raising a baby alone is dramatic enough.
This morning, then, I started The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. I have read, and enjoyed, her other books, but somehow had neglected to pick this one up.
Reader, I am utterly, absolutely, irrevocably charmed.
I am not even halfway through it yet, but I am in love with this book and will likely purchase it for my personal collection. I already have favorite lines:
"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark."
and
"Suffering is not the answer. Light is the answer."
Sigh.
But, since I am a super swell librarian, I decided to read the winners and see what I thought. I read The First Part Last first, since it was short. It was a pretty darned good book. My only complaint would be that I didn't like that the baby's mother suffered a debilitating illness. That seemed to push the book over into melodrama, and the story of a teenage boy raising a baby alone is dramatic enough.
This morning, then, I started The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. I have read, and enjoyed, her other books, but somehow had neglected to pick this one up.
Reader, I am utterly, absolutely, irrevocably charmed.
I am not even halfway through it yet, but I am in love with this book and will likely purchase it for my personal collection. I already have favorite lines:
"Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark."
and
"Suffering is not the answer. Light is the answer."
Sigh.
Spanking the Monkey
The strangest children's books of the 19th century, according to The Village Voice.
13 January 2004
I hate to argue with giving books to kids...
... but apparently I am not the only one a little bit worried about Governor Blagojevich's plan to give every kid in Illinois under the age of five a book every month.
I'm all about giving kids books. I agree that it is important for kids to have books in their homes. Jim Trelease cites research that supports the importance of a print-rich climate.
In a perfect world, I'd be planning the parade in The Governor's honor. In this time of budget deficits, though, doesn't it make more sense to fund and promote library services so that every child in Illinois could have potentially unlimited access to books in the home? Doesn't it? Well, I think so, anyway...
I'm all about giving kids books. I agree that it is important for kids to have books in their homes. Jim Trelease cites research that supports the importance of a print-rich climate.
In a perfect world, I'd be planning the parade in The Governor's honor. In this time of budget deficits, though, doesn't it make more sense to fund and promote library services so that every child in Illinois could have potentially unlimited access to books in the home? Doesn't it? Well, I think so, anyway...
12 January 2004
More positive press for libraries
From Jacqueline Woodson's website:
"One cool thing about books is that you can borrow them from libraries. If your library doesn't have one of my books, ask the librarian to order it from another library thru their inter-library loan system. It usually takes a day or two but they will get it to you.
"If there's a book of mine you want to own go to www.booksense.com and order it. The cool thing about ordering a book from Booksense is you'll be supporting independent bookstores. Independent bookstores are as awesome as libraries. It's up to each of us to keep libraries and independent bookstores going.
"Keep reading!!"
Thanks, Jacqueline!
"One cool thing about books is that you can borrow them from libraries. If your library doesn't have one of my books, ask the librarian to order it from another library thru their inter-library loan system. It usually takes a day or two but they will get it to you.
"If there's a book of mine you want to own go to www.booksense.com and order it. The cool thing about ordering a book from Booksense is you'll be supporting independent bookstores. Independent bookstores are as awesome as libraries. It's up to each of us to keep libraries and independent bookstores going.
"Keep reading!!"
Thanks, Jacqueline!
Silly Kitten!
Apparently, it is still entirely possible that Gary Paulsen will win the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. It's just that it won't be awarded until next year. Next time I shall read more carefully.
While I am waiting...
...to hear the rest of the winners, I found a nifty illustrator site (part of the larger RIF site).
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for...
The winners have been announced!
The winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal is Mordicai Gerstein, author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between The Towers.
The Caldecott Honor winners are Margaret Chodos-Irvine who wrote and illustrated Ella Sarah Gets Dressed, Mo Willems who wrote and illustrated Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (yay!), and Robin Page, the illustrator of What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? (written by her husband Steve Jenkins).
The winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal is Kate DiCamillo for The Tale of Despereaux.
The Newbery Honor winners are Kevin Henkes for Olive's Ocean and Jim Murphy for An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
The winner of the 2004 Printz Medal is Angela Johnson for The First Part Last.
The Printz Honor winners are Jennifer Donnelly for A Northern Light, K. L. Going for Fat Kid Rules the World, Helen Frost for Keesha's House, and Carolyn Mackler for The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Author Award is Hope Anita Smith.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award is Angela Johnson for The First Part Last.
The Coretta Scott King Author Honor books are Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States by Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissack, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson, and The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award is Elbrite Brown for My Family Plays Music (written by Judy Cox).
The winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award is Ashley Bryan who wrote and illustrated Beautiful Blackbird.
The Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor winners are Colin Bootman for illustrating Almost to Freedom (written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson) and Kadir Nelson for illustrating Thunder Rose (written by Jerdine Nolen).
The winner of the Pura Belpre Author Award is Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez.
The Pura Belpre Author Honor winners are Nancy Osa for Cuba 15 and Amanda Irma Perez for My Diary from Here to There: mi diario deaqui hasta ala.
The winner of the Pura Belpre Illustrator Award is Yuyi Morales, author and illustrator of Just a Minute.
The Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor winners are Robert Casilla for First Day in Grapes (written by L. King Perez), David Diaz for The Pot That Juan Built (written by Nancy Andrews-Goebel), and Yuyi Morales for Harvesting Hope: the Story of Caesar Chavez (written by Kathleen Krull) (yay!).
The Siebert Medal went to Jim Murphy for An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
The Siebert Honor award went to Vicki Cobb for I Face the Wind.
The recipient of the Mildred Batchelder Award is Uri Orlev for Run, Boy, Run (translated to English by Hillel Halkin).
The Margaret Batchelder Honor winner is Bea Uusama Schyffert for The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo VI Astonaut Michael Collins (translated by Emi Buner).
The recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award is Ursula K. LeGuin.
The Andrew Carnegie Award was won by Weston Woods for Giggle, Giggle Quack.
Richard Jackson will deliver the 2005 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture.
The winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal is Mordicai Gerstein, author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between The Towers.
The Caldecott Honor winners are Margaret Chodos-Irvine who wrote and illustrated Ella Sarah Gets Dressed, Mo Willems who wrote and illustrated Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (yay!), and Robin Page, the illustrator of What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? (written by her husband Steve Jenkins).
The winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal is Kate DiCamillo for The Tale of Despereaux.
The Newbery Honor winners are Kevin Henkes for Olive's Ocean and Jim Murphy for An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
The winner of the 2004 Printz Medal is Angela Johnson for The First Part Last.
The Printz Honor winners are Jennifer Donnelly for A Northern Light, K. L. Going for Fat Kid Rules the World, Helen Frost for Keesha's House, and Carolyn Mackler for The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Author Award is Hope Anita Smith.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award is Angela Johnson for The First Part Last.
The Coretta Scott King Author Honor books are Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States by Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissack, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson, and The Battle of Jericho by Sharon M. Draper.
The winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award is Elbrite Brown for My Family Plays Music (written by Judy Cox).
The winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award is Ashley Bryan who wrote and illustrated Beautiful Blackbird.
The Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor winners are Colin Bootman for illustrating Almost to Freedom (written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson) and Kadir Nelson for illustrating Thunder Rose (written by Jerdine Nolen).
The winner of the Pura Belpre Author Award is Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez.
The Pura Belpre Author Honor winners are Nancy Osa for Cuba 15 and Amanda Irma Perez for My Diary from Here to There: mi diario deaqui hasta ala.
The winner of the Pura Belpre Illustrator Award is Yuyi Morales, author and illustrator of Just a Minute.
The Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor winners are Robert Casilla for First Day in Grapes (written by L. King Perez), David Diaz for The Pot That Juan Built (written by Nancy Andrews-Goebel), and Yuyi Morales for Harvesting Hope: the Story of Caesar Chavez (written by Kathleen Krull) (yay!).
The Siebert Medal went to Jim Murphy for An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.
The Siebert Honor award went to Vicki Cobb for I Face the Wind.
The recipient of the Mildred Batchelder Award is Uri Orlev for Run, Boy, Run (translated to English by Hillel Halkin).
The Margaret Batchelder Honor winner is Bea Uusama Schyffert for The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo VI Astonaut Michael Collins (translated by Emi Buner).
The recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award is Ursula K. LeGuin.
The Andrew Carnegie Award was won by Weston Woods for Giggle, Giggle Quack.
Richard Jackson will deliver the 2005 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture.
*Blast* that ALA website!
Right now, people in San Diego are doing the happy dance or second-guessing the winners. But I can't get the stupid ALA website to open! Arrgh!
More NPR
Today's Morning Edition also featured a fascinating segment on a new bookbinding technique that might make the concept of forever out-of-print books obselete. (One can only hope.)
Everyone's talkin' 'bout the awards
Marah Gubar had an interesting commentary on children's book awards this morning on Morning Edition. (Only 7 more minutes!)
Stupid Keanu
I was (shockingly) off this weekend, so I did a lot of reading and watched 4 or 5 films. The one I wanted to comment on, though, was Hardball with Keanu Reeves.
We watched it midday on Saturday. I figured it'd be a good day off movie -- sassy inner-city kids, baseball, valuable lessons learned by the guy who reluctantly helps them. I figured it would be formulaic, but fun.
No one told me it was a crying movie!
Yeah, fine, it probably isn't the best movie ever made. Yeah, it simplifies the complexities of inner-city childhood (or lack thereof) and almost deifies the white guy who learns to care for the kids. Yeah it got kind of crappy reviews.
All that aside, I way sucked into the film and sobbed right on cue. I'm not ashamed. It made me think, especially about the kids from my last job; it made me worry; it made me sad; it made me want to recommit to making a difference in the world.
So, while I was looking for a comedy on my day off, I guess I should ultimately thank Keanu and company.
We watched it midday on Saturday. I figured it'd be a good day off movie -- sassy inner-city kids, baseball, valuable lessons learned by the guy who reluctantly helps them. I figured it would be formulaic, but fun.
No one told me it was a crying movie!
Yeah, fine, it probably isn't the best movie ever made. Yeah, it simplifies the complexities of inner-city childhood (or lack thereof) and almost deifies the white guy who learns to care for the kids. Yeah it got kind of crappy reviews.
All that aside, I way sucked into the film and sobbed right on cue. I'm not ashamed. It made me think, especially about the kids from my last job; it made me worry; it made me sad; it made me want to recommit to making a difference in the world.
So, while I was looking for a comedy on my day off, I guess I should ultimately thank Keanu and company.
It's almost time, Kids
In less than two hours, the winners of all the Children's Lit awards will be announced. I have no predictions for the Newbery and Printz awards. I would love to see Gary Paulsen win the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.
Basically, though, I am resigned to being surprised. I'll post the winners as soon as they are announced.
Basically, though, I am resigned to being surprised. I'll post the winners as soon as they are announced.
09 January 2004
Better late than never...
I know I said I'd post this days ago, but I didn't. So, finally, from page 22 of the December 2003/January 2004 issue of Real Simple magazine:
"Free Service: When your local library's stacks don't have the book you want, ask the librarian to borrow it from another library, a common practice. You may have to wait a few weeks, but it's still cheaper than buying the title."
If you appreciate the press for one of the best (in my opinion, anyway) services public libraries offer, I'm sure the good folk at Real Simple could use an e-mail from you.
"Free Service: When your local library's stacks don't have the book you want, ask the librarian to borrow it from another library, a common practice. You may have to wait a few weeks, but it's still cheaper than buying the title."
If you appreciate the press for one of the best (in my opinion, anyway) services public libraries offer, I'm sure the good folk at Real Simple could use an e-mail from you.
Genuis often shines, even through difficulty
Yeats may have had Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism.
08 January 2004
Okay, my fingers are crossed
Apparently, my dear Mr. Steig can be awarded the Caldecott posthumously for When Everybody Wore a Hat.
Thursday's Quote:
Thank you, Miss Barbara, for this:
"Our whole American way of life is a great war of ideas, and librarians are the arms dealers selling weapons to both sides." (James Quinn)
"Our whole American way of life is a great war of ideas, and librarians are the arms dealers selling weapons to both sides." (James Quinn)
Award Anticipation
Let me preface this by saying that I have NEVER been right about what books might win one of these prestigious awards, except for the year that Christopher Paul Curtis won the Newbery Medal for Bud, Not Buddy. At that point, though, it was a small hope, held close, not an official prediction. Over the years, I have become a little teeny bit bitter that my literary hero, Gary Paulsen has not received the critical awards I believe he deserves (though, to be fair, I don't think this lack of award truly bothers Mr. Paulsen). That's a different entry, though. In short, I am never right and have almost given up even venturing a guess. I don't like being wrong.
But, somehow, the opportunity to be wrong so publically!
I very rarely have an opinion about who should win the Caldecott Medal. I am not sure why this is. I love children's picture books. I certainly buy too many for my home collection each year! Yet, somehow, I tend not to have a strong opinion on who should (or should not) win. (That said, I was thrilled that Eric Rohmann -- Chicago Boy! -- won last year for My Friend Rabbit.)
This year, I actually have a picture book opinion. I think that 2004 may be a year when an illustrator is given the second award of his or her career. Peggy Rathman (The Day the Babies Crawled Away), Gerald McDermott (Creation), and Maurice Sendak (Brundibar) all have an excellent chance of winning, in my opinion, either the big prize or an honor.
I also like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. At first, I was just tickled by this tory -- it's fun and a great read-aloud. Over many readings, though, I began to believe that the art is exceptional in its simplicity that still conveys emotion (particularly the poor pigeon's frustration and dejection!). I also like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in its Robert Sabuda incarnation, Harvesting Hope illustrated by Yuyi Morales, Action Jackson illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker, and Blues Journey illustrated by Christopher Myers. I think my favorite is When Everybody Wore a Hat by William Steig, but I don't trust myself much on that, because there may be some measure of sentimentality mixed in to that. (Can the award be given posthumously? I should look that up...)
I will have to think about the Newbery Medal a bit more before making my wrong predictions for that. Stay tuned!
But, somehow, the opportunity to be wrong so publically!
I very rarely have an opinion about who should win the Caldecott Medal. I am not sure why this is. I love children's picture books. I certainly buy too many for my home collection each year! Yet, somehow, I tend not to have a strong opinion on who should (or should not) win. (That said, I was thrilled that Eric Rohmann -- Chicago Boy! -- won last year for My Friend Rabbit.)
This year, I actually have a picture book opinion. I think that 2004 may be a year when an illustrator is given the second award of his or her career. Peggy Rathman (The Day the Babies Crawled Away), Gerald McDermott (Creation), and Maurice Sendak (Brundibar) all have an excellent chance of winning, in my opinion, either the big prize or an honor.
I also like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. At first, I was just tickled by this tory -- it's fun and a great read-aloud. Over many readings, though, I began to believe that the art is exceptional in its simplicity that still conveys emotion (particularly the poor pigeon's frustration and dejection!). I also like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in its Robert Sabuda incarnation, Harvesting Hope illustrated by Yuyi Morales, Action Jackson illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker, and Blues Journey illustrated by Christopher Myers. I think my favorite is When Everybody Wore a Hat by William Steig, but I don't trust myself much on that, because there may be some measure of sentimentality mixed in to that. (Can the award be given posthumously? I should look that up...)
I will have to think about the Newbery Medal a bit more before making my wrong predictions for that. Stay tuned!
Scott O'Dell Award
Roger Sutton just sent a press release through the Child_Lit listserv announcing that The River Between Us by Richard Peck is this year's winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. This book was also nominated for a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. (The Canning Season by Polly Horvath won.)
Mr. Peck grew up in Decatur, IL which, in my mind, automatically makes him a "Chicago Boy" and worthy of special recognition just by virtue of the fact that he had the good taste to be born in the Land of Lincoln. (Anyone from the state of Illinois automatically gets that designation in my mind. Unless, of course, it's a woman of whom I speak. In that case, the pronouncement is, "Chicago Girl." Even if you move away, we -- or at least I -- will forever lay claim to you.)
The happy accident of his birth aside, though, I -- and thousands of others -- have long loved his strong, compassionate writing. And, he made one of my favorite statements of all time at the NIU Children's Lit conference a few years ago:
"I wanted to be a hyperactive child, too, but mother wouldn't let me."
I liked that so much, I printed it on a tee shirt.
Congratulations, Richard Peck!
Mr. Peck grew up in Decatur, IL which, in my mind, automatically makes him a "Chicago Boy" and worthy of special recognition just by virtue of the fact that he had the good taste to be born in the Land of Lincoln. (Anyone from the state of Illinois automatically gets that designation in my mind. Unless, of course, it's a woman of whom I speak. In that case, the pronouncement is, "Chicago Girl." Even if you move away, we -- or at least I -- will forever lay claim to you.)
The happy accident of his birth aside, though, I -- and thousands of others -- have long loved his strong, compassionate writing. And, he made one of my favorite statements of all time at the NIU Children's Lit conference a few years ago:
"I wanted to be a hyperactive child, too, but mother wouldn't let me."
I liked that so much, I printed it on a tee shirt.
Congratulations, Richard Peck!
Weeding
Havana (IL) Public Library has a great resource page about weeding your library's collection. (Thanks to Lori from the Itasca Public Library for alerting me to this site during the excellent Weeder's Advisory program she helped present this morning!)
In Memoriam
Joan Aiken, the author of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and other fantastic books, passed away this past Sunday.
It is a comfort, however meager, that when an author dies, to know that they will live forever, so long as their books are read...
It is a comfort, however meager, that when an author dies, to know that they will live forever, so long as their books are read...
07 January 2004
Encouraging Quote o' the Day:
"Never give up - no matter what is going on; develop the heart. Be compassionate; work for peace in your heart and in the world. And I say again: never give up, no matter what is happening, no matter what is going on around you. Never give up." (the Dalai Lama)
Let him be a kid!
A mom just told me that she wants her two-year-old to start reading because he is "very advanced" and already knows all his letters. That may well be. (God knows I started reading when I was right around 3, so it is possible.)
BUT. I think if a child starts to read that early, it should be out of a personal love or drive or ineffable something that makes the child long for words and stories. In this case, when I suggested that she just continue to read with her child and encourage him when he recognized letters or words, she insisted that he is bright and "should" be reading now, since he is "almost three."
I know she wants what is best for her child, but I hope this isn't another child forever scared away from reading by an overzealous parent.
BUT. I think if a child starts to read that early, it should be out of a personal love or drive or ineffable something that makes the child long for words and stories. In this case, when I suggested that she just continue to read with her child and encourage him when he recognized letters or words, she insisted that he is bright and "should" be reading now, since he is "almost three."
I know she wants what is best for her child, but I hope this isn't another child forever scared away from reading by an overzealous parent.
Get your name in a novel
You might get your name in a Janet Evanovich novel by donating a few bucks to the Crime Stoppers of Greater Trenton (NJ).
Librarian pay equity
The new newsletter from the ALA Allied Professional Association has some interesting articles about advocacy and pay equity.
06 January 2004
Am I just getting old?
Sometimes I hate the uncertainty of not knowing how involved I should get with certain patron situations.
Last night, I was at job #2. A young (13 years old) woman was using the kids' computers to type out an assignment. She seemed pleasant enough. Polite, etc. Her mother went home and told the girl she'd be back about half-an-hour before closing. Okay. So far, so good.
About twenty minutes after her mother left, the girl was on her cell phone. I asked her to please put it away. She did. Again, all good. About ten minutes after that, a young man came in and joined her at a table. They were sitting very close, but I told myself I am just getting old and cranky and let it be. Then they started getting loud. Lots o' loud talking and giggling. Several times, I went over and asked them to keep it down. They responded respectfully and I just let it go.
After a while, they came over wanting to use the kids' computers. Usually these are reserved for those under 14 years of age (because there is no payment or "offical" sign-up required) and are to be used only for homework during the school week. I asked if they had homework to complete. They said, yes. So, I took down their information (we collect names, ages, and phone numbers when they sign up for the free computers -- collecting their numbers usually helps head off most of the trouble since we then threaten to call their moms when they starty acting up). The boy is 16, but since we sometimes make exceptions for high school kids doing homework and no one else is waiting to use the homework computers, I let it slide and tell him that next time he'll have to have a parent come in to sign him up for the other computers. I remind them that they need to be doing homework. No problem, they assure me and I get them set up.
A few minutes later, I look up and they are watching videos. The boy has some rap artist I don't recognize on his screen while the girl is watching Lil' Bow Wow. I go over and tell them that they are done with the computers for the night since they are clearly not doing homework. The guy just smirks, but the girl insists that this is homework. I swear, I must look stupid if she thinks I'm buying this. I ask her what the homework is. Her teacher wants her to look up information about her favorite singer, she claims. Which class? She doesn't remember. I ask to see an assignment sheet and she doesn't know what that is. Off they go.
They adjourn to their table and proceed to be loud. Then they disappear into the stacks. They come out, flushed and giggling when the girls' phone rings again and she runs to get it. I remind her about the no cell phones in the library policy. She apologizes, grabs the boy by the hand, and drags him back into the stacks.
Now. I hate following the kids, especially the teens, assuming they're up to no good and trying to catch them. On the other hand, sometimes kids (and adults, for that matter) do behave inappropriately in the library. (At my last job, the guard found a woman, uh, "servicing" a man in the stacks. When she told them they had to leave, the guy said, "Why? We ain't bothering anyone.") How responsible am I for making sure the children (because I don't care if she is 13, she's still a child) are safe?
I was unable to make a solid decision on this because I had an busy night at the reference desk and, as I was the only librarian there, was unable to get away long enough to check up on things.
Just as it started to quiet down, though, and I was about to go look for them (while pretending to look for a book, of course), I saw a woman looking around, so I went over and asked her if she was B's mother. Yes, she was. I explained my concerns about her daughter and this older boy having been in the stacks all night, feeling like the oldest, most unhip narc ever as I did so. I apologized if I was overstepping my bounds and said I was not trying to mind her business, I just wanted to be sure she was aware.
The mother was actually very nice and thanked me before going off with a look in her eye that told me that B was gonn have some 'splaining to do. (Apparently, they are trying to keep B and the boy apart, which made me feel like even more of a tattletale.) I was relieved with how the mother reacted -- a few times I have been told to mind my own business or accused of only saying something because the child was of a different race than I am.
I am still not 100% convinced that I did the right thing, though. When parents leave their teenagers with us and we notice them behaving in ways that are inappropriate or unsafe, how much of it is our business? What if telling on a child leads to more trouble at home? Am I just old and forgetting what it was like to be a kid? I dunno.
Last night, I was at job #2. A young (13 years old) woman was using the kids' computers to type out an assignment. She seemed pleasant enough. Polite, etc. Her mother went home and told the girl she'd be back about half-an-hour before closing. Okay. So far, so good.
About twenty minutes after her mother left, the girl was on her cell phone. I asked her to please put it away. She did. Again, all good. About ten minutes after that, a young man came in and joined her at a table. They were sitting very close, but I told myself I am just getting old and cranky and let it be. Then they started getting loud. Lots o' loud talking and giggling. Several times, I went over and asked them to keep it down. They responded respectfully and I just let it go.
After a while, they came over wanting to use the kids' computers. Usually these are reserved for those under 14 years of age (because there is no payment or "offical" sign-up required) and are to be used only for homework during the school week. I asked if they had homework to complete. They said, yes. So, I took down their information (we collect names, ages, and phone numbers when they sign up for the free computers -- collecting their numbers usually helps head off most of the trouble since we then threaten to call their moms when they starty acting up). The boy is 16, but since we sometimes make exceptions for high school kids doing homework and no one else is waiting to use the homework computers, I let it slide and tell him that next time he'll have to have a parent come in to sign him up for the other computers. I remind them that they need to be doing homework. No problem, they assure me and I get them set up.
A few minutes later, I look up and they are watching videos. The boy has some rap artist I don't recognize on his screen while the girl is watching Lil' Bow Wow. I go over and tell them that they are done with the computers for the night since they are clearly not doing homework. The guy just smirks, but the girl insists that this is homework. I swear, I must look stupid if she thinks I'm buying this. I ask her what the homework is. Her teacher wants her to look up information about her favorite singer, she claims. Which class? She doesn't remember. I ask to see an assignment sheet and she doesn't know what that is. Off they go.
They adjourn to their table and proceed to be loud. Then they disappear into the stacks. They come out, flushed and giggling when the girls' phone rings again and she runs to get it. I remind her about the no cell phones in the library policy. She apologizes, grabs the boy by the hand, and drags him back into the stacks.
Now. I hate following the kids, especially the teens, assuming they're up to no good and trying to catch them. On the other hand, sometimes kids (and adults, for that matter) do behave inappropriately in the library. (At my last job, the guard found a woman, uh, "servicing" a man in the stacks. When she told them they had to leave, the guy said, "Why? We ain't bothering anyone.") How responsible am I for making sure the children (because I don't care if she is 13, she's still a child) are safe?
I was unable to make a solid decision on this because I had an busy night at the reference desk and, as I was the only librarian there, was unable to get away long enough to check up on things.
Just as it started to quiet down, though, and I was about to go look for them (while pretending to look for a book, of course), I saw a woman looking around, so I went over and asked her if she was B's mother. Yes, she was. I explained my concerns about her daughter and this older boy having been in the stacks all night, feeling like the oldest, most unhip narc ever as I did so. I apologized if I was overstepping my bounds and said I was not trying to mind her business, I just wanted to be sure she was aware.
The mother was actually very nice and thanked me before going off with a look in her eye that told me that B was gonn have some 'splaining to do. (Apparently, they are trying to keep B and the boy apart, which made me feel like even more of a tattletale.) I was relieved with how the mother reacted -- a few times I have been told to mind my own business or accused of only saying something because the child was of a different race than I am.
I am still not 100% convinced that I did the right thing, though. When parents leave their teenagers with us and we notice them behaving in ways that are inappropriate or unsafe, how much of it is our business? What if telling on a child leads to more trouble at home? Am I just old and forgetting what it was like to be a kid? I dunno.
If I could only bring myself to look for the pictures...
... I am sure I would have a few to contribute to this site.
03 January 2004
The critical year in review
Slate runs down some of the more memorable reviews (and responses to criticism) of 2003.
What was I thinking?
So, over the kids' Christmas vacation, we planned several fun activities for them at the library. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Winter craft was a huge success. We ended up having 83 people attend our all-day film festival, which seemed pretty good to me. (Lots o' positive comments from parents, too.)
The one that wore me out, though, was our New Years' Party. Yikes! We were limiting registration to the first thirty kids, which was a pain when the fortieth person called, but... The local newspaper showed up and was impressed by the setup (we had New Years' hats and tiaras, lots o' books set up, and cheap plastic tablecloths on the tables -- not for ambiance, but because they make cleaning up glitter much easier). We watched a film, talked about the New Year, read about a goose and her resolutions, and then adjourned to the tables for the craft. We were going to decorate clear plastic wine glasses with glittler and sequins and shiny pipe cleaners. All of that was noisy and messy and fun and manageable.
Where it started to edge over into chaos is during the next bit. I handed out the snacks (2 cookies and a chocolate in ziploc bags) and we poured the "wine" (grape Hi-C). Then, I handed out noisemakers and we counted down to midnight.
Need I even continue? A room full of excited children with noisemakers? Oy vey!
By the time we were done, I had taken noisemakers away from a few of the more lively boys and I was exhausted. I told another department head that if she heard me talking about such a party again, she should assume I had been smoking crack and hit me on the ehad with a large hammer until I passed out.
But.
But, I know I'll do it again. As wore out as I felt when it was over, the kids loved it. One girl (she was about 11 years old) came back to hug me and thank me for the "best party [she] ever went to!" So...
Sigh.
I won't do it often, though.
The one that wore me out, though, was our New Years' Party. Yikes! We were limiting registration to the first thirty kids, which was a pain when the fortieth person called, but... The local newspaper showed up and was impressed by the setup (we had New Years' hats and tiaras, lots o' books set up, and cheap plastic tablecloths on the tables -- not for ambiance, but because they make cleaning up glitter much easier). We watched a film, talked about the New Year, read about a goose and her resolutions, and then adjourned to the tables for the craft. We were going to decorate clear plastic wine glasses with glittler and sequins and shiny pipe cleaners. All of that was noisy and messy and fun and manageable.
Where it started to edge over into chaos is during the next bit. I handed out the snacks (2 cookies and a chocolate in ziploc bags) and we poured the "wine" (grape Hi-C). Then, I handed out noisemakers and we counted down to midnight.
Need I even continue? A room full of excited children with noisemakers? Oy vey!
By the time we were done, I had taken noisemakers away from a few of the more lively boys and I was exhausted. I told another department head that if she heard me talking about such a party again, she should assume I had been smoking crack and hit me on the ehad with a large hammer until I passed out.
But.
But, I know I'll do it again. As wore out as I felt when it was over, the kids loved it. One girl (she was about 11 years old) came back to hug me and thank me for the "best party [she] ever went to!" So...
Sigh.
I won't do it often, though.
Not as easy as it looks
The Times Educational Supplement has a harder-than-it-initially-appears Kids' Lit Quiz. There were three I didn't know -- thank goodness the answers will be up soon!
02 January 2004
Art and cheeseburgers to start the new year
Happy, happy New Year to one and all!
I had a marvelous New Year's Day. Usually, I spend some time at the Art Institute of Chicago. Usually, I go alone. This year, The Boy came along. We were excited about the Lewis Carroll exhibit. I was a little bit afraid of how the photographs would be presented. Would Carroll be exposed as the brilliant amateur photographic artist he was or would the photos be sensationalized and used to further what (in my mind, at least) amount to slanderous, unfounded accusations as to his interest in his child friends?
Happily, the photographs chosen were presented without editorial comment and represented a range of subjects -- children, adults, and even skeletons! They were clear and gorgeous and often moving. Many of the children appeared quite solemn (no doubt due to the need to remain still for periods of time with early photography), making the few where the children smile especially wondrous. I was most intrigued by the photograph of Tennyson and by the self-portraits. I was also entranced by Carroll's own writing in the corners of some of the photos. It seemed to be numbers written backwards and, while the exact significance was lost to me, I thrilled to see Carroll's actual mirror-writing first hand!(Yes, I am a geek.)
While at the AIC anyway (and, actually, before we visited the Carroll exhibit), we decided to pick up my free (member) tickets to the Manet exhibit. We made it through that display in eight minutes flat! It just didn't speak to us. I mean, I can see that the work was art, that it is well done, but it didn't move me or excite my imagination. In fact, my favorite picture in the exhibit was not even by Manet, it was a Renoir! There were two Manet paintings the Boy and I both liked a lot. His favorite was Venice -- The Grand Canal, which was vivid and alive. I was drawn to The Escape of Rochefort -- The Large Study primarily, I am a bit sheepish to admit, because the man in right-hand side the boat looks remarkably like Charlie Chaplin. (Go ahead, take a look and see if you don't agree!)
The rest of the visit to the AIC was a little sad. The Boy's favorite painting is The Golden Wall by Hans Hofmann. That was in storage (again). I was desperate to see Greyed Rainbow by Jackson Pollock, but that was in storage. Van Gogh's Self-Portrait is still out on loan and the Rembrandt is in Boston. The William Blakes can be viewed by appointment only.
We did manage to visit our favorite works by Paul Klee and Magritte. We also got the number to call so we can set up an appointment to see the Blakes.
The gift store yielded happy purchases -- next years' Christmas cards at 75% off, a print of the Hofmann for The Boy, a Seurat print for my friend, Matt...
By this time, I was getting a wee bit whiny because my new shoes were not making my feet happy. (They will, though, once they are properly broken in.) The Boy persuaded me to walk down Michigan Ave for a spell, though, to one of our favorite places, The Billy Goat Tavern.
(A brief aside. When The Boy was ever so much smaller -- maybe first grade? -- he had to make a list of his favorite places for school. He listed home, the AIC, and the Billy Goat. His teacher called home to find out what AIC stood for and to inform The Boy's mother that he had listed a tavern as one of his favorite places. To her everlasting credit, she sighed and said, "I know. He goes there all the time with his cousin.)
We had Chicago's yummiest cheeseburgers (it must be the bread!) along with chips and Coke. We were unable to sit at our "usual" table since a group was already there. However, the table we sat at was right next to a wall dedicated to Royko, so that was fun.
All in all, it was a wonderful start to 2004. I wish all of us a year filled with peace and love, laughter and joy.
I had a marvelous New Year's Day. Usually, I spend some time at the Art Institute of Chicago. Usually, I go alone. This year, The Boy came along. We were excited about the Lewis Carroll exhibit. I was a little bit afraid of how the photographs would be presented. Would Carroll be exposed as the brilliant amateur photographic artist he was or would the photos be sensationalized and used to further what (in my mind, at least) amount to slanderous, unfounded accusations as to his interest in his child friends?
Happily, the photographs chosen were presented without editorial comment and represented a range of subjects -- children, adults, and even skeletons! They were clear and gorgeous and often moving. Many of the children appeared quite solemn (no doubt due to the need to remain still for periods of time with early photography), making the few where the children smile especially wondrous. I was most intrigued by the photograph of Tennyson and by the self-portraits. I was also entranced by Carroll's own writing in the corners of some of the photos. It seemed to be numbers written backwards and, while the exact significance was lost to me, I thrilled to see Carroll's actual mirror-writing first hand!(Yes, I am a geek.)
While at the AIC anyway (and, actually, before we visited the Carroll exhibit), we decided to pick up my free (member) tickets to the Manet exhibit. We made it through that display in eight minutes flat! It just didn't speak to us. I mean, I can see that the work was art, that it is well done, but it didn't move me or excite my imagination. In fact, my favorite picture in the exhibit was not even by Manet, it was a Renoir! There were two Manet paintings the Boy and I both liked a lot. His favorite was Venice -- The Grand Canal, which was vivid and alive. I was drawn to The Escape of Rochefort -- The Large Study primarily, I am a bit sheepish to admit, because the man in right-hand side the boat looks remarkably like Charlie Chaplin. (Go ahead, take a look and see if you don't agree!)
The rest of the visit to the AIC was a little sad. The Boy's favorite painting is The Golden Wall by Hans Hofmann. That was in storage (again). I was desperate to see Greyed Rainbow by Jackson Pollock, but that was in storage. Van Gogh's Self-Portrait is still out on loan and the Rembrandt is in Boston. The William Blakes can be viewed by appointment only.
We did manage to visit our favorite works by Paul Klee and Magritte. We also got the number to call so we can set up an appointment to see the Blakes.
The gift store yielded happy purchases -- next years' Christmas cards at 75% off, a print of the Hofmann for The Boy, a Seurat print for my friend, Matt...
By this time, I was getting a wee bit whiny because my new shoes were not making my feet happy. (They will, though, once they are properly broken in.) The Boy persuaded me to walk down Michigan Ave for a spell, though, to one of our favorite places, The Billy Goat Tavern.
(A brief aside. When The Boy was ever so much smaller -- maybe first grade? -- he had to make a list of his favorite places for school. He listed home, the AIC, and the Billy Goat. His teacher called home to find out what AIC stood for and to inform The Boy's mother that he had listed a tavern as one of his favorite places. To her everlasting credit, she sighed and said, "I know. He goes there all the time with his cousin.)
We had Chicago's yummiest cheeseburgers (it must be the bread!) along with chips and Coke. We were unable to sit at our "usual" table since a group was already there. However, the table we sat at was right next to a wall dedicated to Royko, so that was fun.
All in all, it was a wonderful start to 2004. I wish all of us a year filled with peace and love, laughter and joy.
Roald Dahl said no...
Apparently, the late, great Roald Dahl was one of the celebraties who declined to accept British honors.
Huzzah and Congratulations to Philip Pullman!
The brilliant Philip Pullman has been made a CBE (Commander of the British Empire).
Maybe I'm the only one?
The few reviews trickling through Child_Lit right now point to my colleagues mostly liking the new Pan movie.
Andrew Hartman of Peter Pan Fan didn't love the film, either, though he did like it okay (and is ever so much kinder than I), saying: "I recommend the film, despite all that I do not approve of. It should be seen by any PETER PAN fan. Although it is not what I had expected, for what it was, I am pleased."
Huh.
Andrew Hartman of Peter Pan Fan didn't love the film, either, though he did like it okay (and is ever so much kinder than I), saying: "I recommend the film, despite all that I do not approve of. It should be seen by any PETER PAN fan. Although it is not what I had expected, for what it was, I am pleased."
Huh.
Eye of the beholder
I was so looking forward to the new Peter Pan film. I had heard it was closer to the book than any other films had been, that it was somewhat dark...
First off, let me just say that if you have never read the book, the film was spectacular. The costuming and sets were beautiful. The casting was perfect (although I have ever pictured Peter as having darker, almost reddish hair, not blonde). The story was action-packed. I loved that they used exact text from the book. I went with a friend who had not read the book and she enjoyed it immensely.
However, I have read the book, and my overwhelming reaction was this: Peter Pan was a stupid movie. I didn't like the contrivance of Wendy getting in trouble at school in the beginning. I didn't like the added character of Aunt Millicent. I didn't like the lack of "good form" and fairness that is so important in the book. I didn't like the overt love story between Pan and Wendy. I didn't like that Hook flew. I didn't like the aggressive malevolence of the mermaids. I didn't like that Tink betrayed Peter. I didn't like that sometimes the text they quoted was changed a bit or used somewhat out of context. I didn't like Wendy seriously thinking about joining the pirate gang. I didn't like Wendy saying she never saw Pan again.
I was bored. I kept looking around, waiting for the film to be over. The filmmakers seemed in love with their special effects to the detriment of the story. I wanted to leave, but I kept hoping they would get it right.
My favorite part of the film was the kid sitting behind me. He was about the same age as The Boy (13-ish) and had clearly read the book, because throughout the movie, I could hear him make sounds of displeasure -- groans, "oh no!"s and the like. When Hook flew, he said, "oh, I can't watch this!" and got up to go. His father tried to get him to stay, but he said, "this sucks!" and left. Hee.
I re-read Peter Pan when I got home from the film and was charmed anew by J.M. Barrie's tale. I love the snarkiness of the text and the narrative asides. I love the depiction of the Neverlands as being universal, something ever child knows. I love the image of mothers tidying up their children's minds each night.
Go see the movie, if you must. You may well be more forgiving than I and will find it a marvelous family film. It is.
But do yourself a favor and read the book, too. If you read it once before, it will be a treat to revisit. If your only experience with Peter thus far has been Disney and various other film renditions, you're in for a fabulous surprise!
First off, let me just say that if you have never read the book, the film was spectacular. The costuming and sets were beautiful. The casting was perfect (although I have ever pictured Peter as having darker, almost reddish hair, not blonde). The story was action-packed. I loved that they used exact text from the book. I went with a friend who had not read the book and she enjoyed it immensely.
However, I have read the book, and my overwhelming reaction was this: Peter Pan was a stupid movie. I didn't like the contrivance of Wendy getting in trouble at school in the beginning. I didn't like the added character of Aunt Millicent. I didn't like the lack of "good form" and fairness that is so important in the book. I didn't like the overt love story between Pan and Wendy. I didn't like that Hook flew. I didn't like the aggressive malevolence of the mermaids. I didn't like that Tink betrayed Peter. I didn't like that sometimes the text they quoted was changed a bit or used somewhat out of context. I didn't like Wendy seriously thinking about joining the pirate gang. I didn't like Wendy saying she never saw Pan again.
I was bored. I kept looking around, waiting for the film to be over. The filmmakers seemed in love with their special effects to the detriment of the story. I wanted to leave, but I kept hoping they would get it right.
My favorite part of the film was the kid sitting behind me. He was about the same age as The Boy (13-ish) and had clearly read the book, because throughout the movie, I could hear him make sounds of displeasure -- groans, "oh no!"s and the like. When Hook flew, he said, "oh, I can't watch this!" and got up to go. His father tried to get him to stay, but he said, "this sucks!" and left. Hee.
I re-read Peter Pan when I got home from the film and was charmed anew by J.M. Barrie's tale. I love the snarkiness of the text and the narrative asides. I love the depiction of the Neverlands as being universal, something ever child knows. I love the image of mothers tidying up their children's minds each night.
Go see the movie, if you must. You may well be more forgiving than I and will find it a marvelous family film. It is.
But do yourself a favor and read the book, too. If you read it once before, it will be a treat to revisit. If your only experience with Peter thus far has been Disney and various other film renditions, you're in for a fabulous surprise!
29 December 2003
Woo-hoo!
When I got home today, I had a letter from the Secretary of State informing me that my request for a personalized license plate has been approved. As soon as I send in my check (tomorrow), I'll be set. Soon, I'll be cruisin' around town with my spiffy new SNARK plates. Yay!
Damn those reference books!
The FBI is warning police to be on the lookout for anyone carrying almanacs.
I don't even have a comment on this.
I don't even have a comment on this.
I miss them too, dear
The New York Times Magazine had a charming picture of Olivia yesterday along with text remembering William Steig and Robert McCloskey.
Should I be excited or alarmed?
Maybe everyone else already knew this, but Ella Enchanted is being made into a movie.
What will Ken say?
Naked pictures of Barbie have been protected by a court in San Francisco. The photos are part of an exhibit called (Illegal Art) that seems to be garnering some press. I can see where some artists would be upset at the hijacking of their images by the new exhibit. On the other hand, it seems to be a fascinating show and one of the dangers of creating instantly recognizable characters is that those same characters may well be used later for social commentary. (Hee. I like the Prozac stamps. I wonder if using them would calm you down? That'd be the way to ensure a renaissance of personal correspondence by mail!)
NOTE: Yes, I realize I linked to the Viagra stamps, not the Prozac. Freudian slip? I don't think so. But when I went back to fix it, I was unable to get the Prozac picture, but the Viagra one came right up. (Heh.) So, whatever.
NOTE: Yes, I realize I linked to the Viagra stamps, not the Prozac. Freudian slip? I don't think so. But when I went back to fix it, I was unable to get the Prozac picture, but the Viagra one came right up. (Heh.) So, whatever.
Sometimes I'm a little slow...
I swear I thought that Lemony Snicket just made this book up, mostly because of the delicious absurdity of the title.
I'd feel more stupid, but I'm too busy looking forward to reading it...
I'd feel more stupid, but I'm too busy looking forward to reading it...
Love Actually
I went last night with a friend to see Love Actually at the awesome little Town Theatre. I had expected it to be a mildly entertaining piece of fluff, but found that I really liked it. A lot. Way better than Mona Lisa Smile, which I saw last week. It was funny and sweet and everything that a good romantic comedy should be. (Though, to be fair, I am a sucker for a good -- or even fairly mediocre -- romantic comedy.) Not all of the love stories ended in the standard "happily ever" fairy tale way, but the film satisfied me. I left feeling happy.
The film actually fit in well with my mood over the last few weeks. I'm not quite sure how to articulate it without coming across at least a wee bit unbalanced, so I will just come out and say it. I have been absolutely in love. What makes this odd is that there is no one particular person I am in love with. I just go through my days feeling like I am in love with the world.
This isn't some idealistic "aren't people grand?" thing. Some people are crap, a fact of which I am all too aware. But overall, I just feel in love. I don't know quite how else to explain it...
The film actually fit in well with my mood over the last few weeks. I'm not quite sure how to articulate it without coming across at least a wee bit unbalanced, so I will just come out and say it. I have been absolutely in love. What makes this odd is that there is no one particular person I am in love with. I just go through my days feeling like I am in love with the world.
This isn't some idealistic "aren't people grand?" thing. Some people are crap, a fact of which I am all too aware. But overall, I just feel in love. I don't know quite how else to explain it...
Pearls Before Swine
Pearls Before Swine was poignant and (for lack of a better word) lovely yesterday.
NPR update
So, I wrote that letter to Chicago Public Radio's Eight Forty-Eight about their segment on libraries. I got an e-mail back from the associate editor of the programming saying they may air the letter during an upcoming letters segment. I'll letcha know how that pans out.
Library Busy-ness
Well, if I have any readers left at all after that hiatus, I apologize for the dearth of new material here. It has been a busy few weeks here at the library (never mind all the personal running around the holidays bring). We had a horrificially bad winter concert at job #1 (what amazes me is that he has performed here four times previously; has played his last show here!), followed by a wildly successful winter craft program (we had 43 attendees, which appears to be some kind of record based on the YS staff reaction I got).
Today is our first annual all-day film festival. This first year, we are doing animated Disney films, one from each decade of Disney feature-length animation, beginning with Snow White (playing as I type this). It will be interesting to see what kind of turnout we get here. I did this at my previous job and we had close to 200 attendees, but that was a community with way more latch-key kids, which I am sure added to our numbers. (Parents sometimes read "all day film festival" and see "free all day babysitting). So far I have 4 people in there, but it's only been 15 minutes, so...
Today is our first annual all-day film festival. This first year, we are doing animated Disney films, one from each decade of Disney feature-length animation, beginning with Snow White (playing as I type this). It will be interesting to see what kind of turnout we get here. I did this at my previous job and we had close to 200 attendees, but that was a community with way more latch-key kids, which I am sure added to our numbers. (Parents sometimes read "all day film festival" and see "free all day babysitting). So far I have 4 people in there, but it's only been 15 minutes, so...
15 December 2003
Winter time is Library time
Michael Farrelly makes a compelling case for "let[ting] the cold weather drive you into the arms of your library this winter."
Everyday Advocates
I think what bothered me the most about the NPR segment on libraries last week was that I felt that the ball was dropped in terms of stressing the financial burdens many public libraries are facing now. I won't rehash my entire last post, but it just felt to me that Ms. Long should have been more assertive about the pay inequities inherent in the public library system.
I believe, so much, that every one of us has a responsibility to be a library advocate in our everyday lives. I talk about libraries whenever I can, because I truly believe in the power of public libraries to change lives.
Real Simple magazine had a shout-out to libraries. I don't have the issue in front of me (I will post the exact quote after I get home), but it reminded readers that public libraries can borrow books that their local library doesn't own through interlibrary loan. That seems obvious to those of us who work in and love libraries, but so many people have no idea. It felt huge to see this reminder (in bright orange text!) in a nationally distributed magazine.
When the local press writes a favorable article about our libraries, we often call or write to thank them. This positive reinforcement makes them more likely to write about the library in the future. Why not do the same thing with the national press? Instead of bitching because we are offended by stereotypes or action figures (it's just a doll, Sparky!), how about expending our energy on thanking those who present a positive view of libraries. And if we disagree with a view, instead of a vitriolic attack, how about beginning by thanking whatever organization we are writing (calling, whatever) for focusing some of their program (newspaper, magazine, etc.) on public libraries in the first place? Then, we can gently point out whatever errors we viewed in their presentation.
By gently, I in no way mean that we should back down and let ourselves be trampled on. But let's save our sarcasm and biting wit for the 'blogs and each other. There's a reason, "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" has been a long-standing proverb!
Let's all be advocates in every area of our everyday life. It can't possibly hurt us and may very well help.
I believe, so much, that every one of us has a responsibility to be a library advocate in our everyday lives. I talk about libraries whenever I can, because I truly believe in the power of public libraries to change lives.
Real Simple magazine had a shout-out to libraries. I don't have the issue in front of me (I will post the exact quote after I get home), but it reminded readers that public libraries can borrow books that their local library doesn't own through interlibrary loan. That seems obvious to those of us who work in and love libraries, but so many people have no idea. It felt huge to see this reminder (in bright orange text!) in a nationally distributed magazine.
When the local press writes a favorable article about our libraries, we often call or write to thank them. This positive reinforcement makes them more likely to write about the library in the future. Why not do the same thing with the national press? Instead of bitching because we are offended by stereotypes or action figures (it's just a doll, Sparky!), how about expending our energy on thanking those who present a positive view of libraries. And if we disagree with a view, instead of a vitriolic attack, how about beginning by thanking whatever organization we are writing (calling, whatever) for focusing some of their program (newspaper, magazine, etc.) on public libraries in the first place? Then, we can gently point out whatever errors we viewed in their presentation.
By gently, I in no way mean that we should back down and let ourselves be trampled on. But let's save our sarcasm and biting wit for the 'blogs and each other. There's a reason, "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar" has been a long-standing proverb!
Let's all be advocates in every area of our everyday life. It can't possibly hurt us and may very well help.
14 December 2003
Okay, back to NPR
I have many opinions about the segment NPR ran on libraries last week. However, in the interest of retaining some professional integrity, I decided not to post my ranting. Instead, I will post the letter I sent to Eight Forty-Eight's Steve Edwards in response to the program:
Thank you for your segment about the increased use of libraries over the past years (which aired Thursday, Dec. 11). It is true that public libraries are one of the"best-kept secrets" around. However, while Ms. Long chose to highlight internet and electronic resources in her interview, libraries provide so much more -- we provide books, storytimes and other programs for all ages, expert reference help, and a sense of community that is often missing from other segments of society. Trained librarians using careful questioning, can often help patrons find exactly what they are looking for, even when the patrons aren't often sure themselves.
Ms. Long answered the question about why there is a shortage of public librarians by pointing out the demand for information specialists in other fields. While this is a valid point, she neglected to explain why so many of my colleagues are choosing the private sector over public libraries. Quite simply, public libraries, with few exceptions, are not able to pay their employees as well as private employers. A quick glance at the recently updated survey by LACONI (Library Adminstrators Conference of Northern Illinois) shows a startling range of salaries throughout northern Illinois. While some libraries pay well (sometimes well over $75,000 to administrators), many more librarians make shockingly small salaries (under $25,000 to administration, less for other employees).
Many public library employees have earned Masters' degrees in Library Science before being employed as librarians full-time. We have spent much time, energy, and money on our educations in order that we may serve all those who walk through the doors of our libraries, yet are not always fairly compensated for our efforts, especially when librarian salaries are measured against the salaries of other professionals with comparable schooling. Furthermore, the inequity of librarian salaries throughout the state make it difficult to convince librarians to work in certain communities when the willingness to relocate or commute could mean fairer pay. Sadly, this inequity means that communities where parent could afford to purchase books for their children if they so chose are able to afford more librarians and bigger libraries while those communities which need public libraries the most often are unable to pay competitive wages, buy new materials, and expand too-small facilities.
I truly love my job and cannot imagine doing another. I also love the communities I have chosen to work in, which have thus far been communities on the lower end of the economic spectrum. I could make much more money than I do now by working in the city of Chicago or in the north suburbs. However, if we all follow the money, who will be left to serve the communities that need us most?
As long as poor pay and salary inequities remain, I fear there will be a shortage of professional librarians. I passionately believe in the value of public libraries and the potential they have to change lives. Most of us who work in public libraries do so out of love. We joke amongst each other that we didn't go into this profession to get rich. The fact that we love our jobs, though, doesn't make them less meaningful and less worthy of recognition and fair compensation. We didn't go into this profession to get rich, but it would be nice if we were able to stop worrying whether our paychecks will stretch enough to cover our basic needs.
Respectfully,
Katharine
Thank you for your segment about the increased use of libraries over the past years (which aired Thursday, Dec. 11). It is true that public libraries are one of the"best-kept secrets" around. However, while Ms. Long chose to highlight internet and electronic resources in her interview, libraries provide so much more -- we provide books, storytimes and other programs for all ages, expert reference help, and a sense of community that is often missing from other segments of society. Trained librarians using careful questioning, can often help patrons find exactly what they are looking for, even when the patrons aren't often sure themselves.
Ms. Long answered the question about why there is a shortage of public librarians by pointing out the demand for information specialists in other fields. While this is a valid point, she neglected to explain why so many of my colleagues are choosing the private sector over public libraries. Quite simply, public libraries, with few exceptions, are not able to pay their employees as well as private employers. A quick glance at the recently updated survey by LACONI (Library Adminstrators Conference of Northern Illinois) shows a startling range of salaries throughout northern Illinois. While some libraries pay well (sometimes well over $75,000 to administrators), many more librarians make shockingly small salaries (under $25,000 to administration, less for other employees).
Many public library employees have earned Masters' degrees in Library Science before being employed as librarians full-time. We have spent much time, energy, and money on our educations in order that we may serve all those who walk through the doors of our libraries, yet are not always fairly compensated for our efforts, especially when librarian salaries are measured against the salaries of other professionals with comparable schooling. Furthermore, the inequity of librarian salaries throughout the state make it difficult to convince librarians to work in certain communities when the willingness to relocate or commute could mean fairer pay. Sadly, this inequity means that communities where parent could afford to purchase books for their children if they so chose are able to afford more librarians and bigger libraries while those communities which need public libraries the most often are unable to pay competitive wages, buy new materials, and expand too-small facilities.
I truly love my job and cannot imagine doing another. I also love the communities I have chosen to work in, which have thus far been communities on the lower end of the economic spectrum. I could make much more money than I do now by working in the city of Chicago or in the north suburbs. However, if we all follow the money, who will be left to serve the communities that need us most?
As long as poor pay and salary inequities remain, I fear there will be a shortage of professional librarians. I passionately believe in the value of public libraries and the potential they have to change lives. Most of us who work in public libraries do so out of love. We joke amongst each other that we didn't go into this profession to get rich. The fact that we love our jobs, though, doesn't make them less meaningful and less worthy of recognition and fair compensation. We didn't go into this profession to get rich, but it would be nice if we were able to stop worrying whether our paychecks will stretch enough to cover our basic needs.
Respectfully,
Katharine
11 December 2003
Libraries on NPR
This morning, NPR ran a segment on public libraries. I have opinions on this, but they will have to wait until tomorrow, as it is time to (finally!) get home.
Arrgh!
Okay, so tomorrow, when the staff of my library comes back from a multi-library staff development day, I am supposed to give a brief presentation on 'blogs, including introducing the rest of the staff to the new 'blog we are using in Youth Services.
That's pretty swell. I am excited by it and I am hoping my enthusiasm will be at least interesting, if not infectious.
But.
But, my Reference pal and I spent the last five hours getting this stupid laptop and the projector to work.
And when one of the Circ crew came through, asked what we were doing, and we told her, she didn't even pretend she didn't want to sit through that.
Hey, at least appreciate what it took to get this stuff to work!
I dunno if we should shut this down or just let it run all night...
That's pretty swell. I am excited by it and I am hoping my enthusiasm will be at least interesting, if not infectious.
But.
But, my Reference pal and I spent the last five hours getting this stupid laptop and the projector to work.
And when one of the Circ crew came through, asked what we were doing, and we told her, she didn't even pretend she didn't want to sit through that.
Hey, at least appreciate what it took to get this stuff to work!
I dunno if we should shut this down or just let it run all night...
10 December 2003
Kingly words
Now you can read (or watch, or listen to) the acceptance speech given by Stephen King upon receiving the National Book Foundation's Distinguished Contribution to American Letters Award.
Ooh! Ooh! How 'bout this?
Okay, I finally found something else that my loving family can get me for Christmas! Everyone can chip in and I don't need any gifts next year, either! (I prefer the letter written from Milan.)
I want this!
Darn! If only I hadn't just redecorated the bathroom, I could have a truly fabulous place to relax!
Dangerous nursery rhymes
A brilliant new study examines the carelessness many of us have exhibited in reciting these tragic tales to children for so many years.
A smile to start my day
This morning, when I came in to work, I had an e-mail from one of "my" kids from my previous job. It was one of those soppy bits o' glurge that have a life message within. In this case it was, "Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion." I think that's a pretty good bit of advice, even if I abhor the chain letter aspects these pieces usually contain.
The best part, though, wasn't the moral. The best part was seeing that I haven't been forgotten by my kids. So many children have passed through my life, and I have genuinely loved many of them. My last job was especially meaningful to me. I wept when I left because I didn't want to leave those children, even though I could no longer bear to remain in that place. I have a large folder of their drawings and letters at home and a picture a small boy drew of me taped to my bedroom wall. I have a hideous silver Chihuahua one of my girls gave me (shortly before she and her sister were whisked out of school by a parent and then disappeared). I have a heart broken by the leaving that is now, finally, slowly, healing.
I also know that, in the way that the minds and loyalties of children work, sometimes they mean much more to me than I do to them. I am, after all, just the librarian. But I love them and remember so many of them. It is heartening to see that some of them remember me, too.
The best part, though, wasn't the moral. The best part was seeing that I haven't been forgotten by my kids. So many children have passed through my life, and I have genuinely loved many of them. My last job was especially meaningful to me. I wept when I left because I didn't want to leave those children, even though I could no longer bear to remain in that place. I have a large folder of their drawings and letters at home and a picture a small boy drew of me taped to my bedroom wall. I have a hideous silver Chihuahua one of my girls gave me (shortly before she and her sister were whisked out of school by a parent and then disappeared). I have a heart broken by the leaving that is now, finally, slowly, healing.
I also know that, in the way that the minds and loyalties of children work, sometimes they mean much more to me than I do to them. I am, after all, just the librarian. But I love them and remember so many of them. It is heartening to see that some of them remember me, too.
09 December 2003
New links
Finally, I have added links to some of the other (mostly librarian-generated) 'blogs I read (with varying degress of regularity, I must admit). There's some pretty entertaining stuff out there...
08 December 2003
Ups and downs
I am at job #2 tonight. The evening got off to a stellar start when I came in to find yet another memo from our psychotic computer guy in my mailbox about the almost hourly needless changes to the computers.
What? I didn't tell you about Crazy Computer Guy (henceforth referred to here as CCG)? Huh. Prob'ly I was just trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism by not revealing inappropriately malicious ranting. This guy is insane. Just trust me on this.
Anyway, this means that, again, the rules for letting patrons use the computers have changed. What that means is that, as Reference Girl, I will have angry patrons asking about inconsistent rules again all evening. Fun.
I have a headache. I am starting to get more and more stress from this place that I love. I am starting to dread coming in because I know there will always be some new, irrational rules and behavior (from CCG, not the patrons) that will cause problems and complaints.
So far this evening, I have had some teenage girls bitch at me after I remind them of the "one person per computer rule." Heck, the rules around here are so elastic and inconsistent that I almost can't blame them and consider caving, but I know that will quickly cause a descent into utter chaos, so I stand firm and am later rewarded by their better behavior and apologies for their earlier behavior.
A woman called and yelled at me because we do not have books about silicon for her daughter to use for science fair. I offered to get something through interlibrary loan and she started yelling at me that the paper is due tomorrow and what the hell is wrong with the libraries? We know the kids are doing these projects! We should have the book here! NOW! She was disgusted with me for offering to get her information from our seven zillion different (and pretty current) science encyclopedias and ended up hanging up on me.
Another satisfied patron.
Sigh.
Did I mention that I seriously HATE science fair? No, we do not have any books on working underwater with paper or that specifically spell out the result of your child's project. THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT OF DOING THE EXPERIMENT! Maybe I am suffering from senile nostalgia, but I swear it wasn't this complicated back in my day -- and I'm only 30. I built a simple water filtration plant out of tubing and some other crap -- or rather, I tried to and, when that failed, I drew a lovely diagram of what my plant should have looked like. I wrote a paper explaining what I had learned from my experiment and...
Oh, why do I bother complaining? No amount of bitching will change the fact that these parents want me to do their children's science fair projects for them.
On the other extreme, an elderly gentleman patron told me I was a "credit to [my] whole profession" this evening after I had answered some simple request.
How odd to have a job that you can love passionately but dislike a bit at the same time ever once in a while.
I guess as long as the scales stay weighed to the side of love, I'll be all right.
What? I didn't tell you about Crazy Computer Guy (henceforth referred to here as CCG)? Huh. Prob'ly I was just trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism by not revealing inappropriately malicious ranting. This guy is insane. Just trust me on this.
Anyway, this means that, again, the rules for letting patrons use the computers have changed. What that means is that, as Reference Girl, I will have angry patrons asking about inconsistent rules again all evening. Fun.
I have a headache. I am starting to get more and more stress from this place that I love. I am starting to dread coming in because I know there will always be some new, irrational rules and behavior (from CCG, not the patrons) that will cause problems and complaints.
So far this evening, I have had some teenage girls bitch at me after I remind them of the "one person per computer rule." Heck, the rules around here are so elastic and inconsistent that I almost can't blame them and consider caving, but I know that will quickly cause a descent into utter chaos, so I stand firm and am later rewarded by their better behavior and apologies for their earlier behavior.
A woman called and yelled at me because we do not have books about silicon for her daughter to use for science fair. I offered to get something through interlibrary loan and she started yelling at me that the paper is due tomorrow and what the hell is wrong with the libraries? We know the kids are doing these projects! We should have the book here! NOW! She was disgusted with me for offering to get her information from our seven zillion different (and pretty current) science encyclopedias and ended up hanging up on me.
Another satisfied patron.
Sigh.
Did I mention that I seriously HATE science fair? No, we do not have any books on working underwater with paper or that specifically spell out the result of your child's project. THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT OF DOING THE EXPERIMENT! Maybe I am suffering from senile nostalgia, but I swear it wasn't this complicated back in my day -- and I'm only 30. I built a simple water filtration plant out of tubing and some other crap -- or rather, I tried to and, when that failed, I drew a lovely diagram of what my plant should have looked like. I wrote a paper explaining what I had learned from my experiment and...
Oh, why do I bother complaining? No amount of bitching will change the fact that these parents want me to do their children's science fair projects for them.
On the other extreme, an elderly gentleman patron told me I was a "credit to [my] whole profession" this evening after I had answered some simple request.
How odd to have a job that you can love passionately but dislike a bit at the same time ever once in a while.
I guess as long as the scales stay weighed to the side of love, I'll be all right.
My least favorite part of the holiday season...
... is trying to think of enough stuff with which to compile (er, update) the wish list my family requests every year. I can never think of enough stuff I want other people to buy me, except for piles o' books, which I can almost guarantee I will not be receiving.
Sigh.
So, without further ado, my dearest relations, here ya go.
(You know I love you all, right?)
Sigh.
So, without further ado, my dearest relations, here ya go.
(You know I love you all, right?)
06 December 2003
Better than a shiny gold star sticker
This afternoon, a tenth grader came to the Reference desk to ask for help finding information on the Eastland disaster. I was kind of excited by this request, since I had stumbled across a phenomenal Eastland site earlier today while looking for info on the Iroquois Theatre fire for this very 'blog, so I showed her that and told her about some other materials we could borrow through interlibrary loan.
Her sister -- a child around 10 years of age -- was with her, listening to all of this. When I paused for a moment, she said, "Excuse me?" I thought maybe she wanted to find a book to occupy her time while I helped her sister, so I said, "Yes, Miss?"
She looked right at me and said, "You really love this job, don't you?" I was a little surprised by her question, but then I felt myself grin, and I answered her. "Yeah, I really do love my job. I think it's the best job in the world!"
And I do.
Later, when I thought about it, I decided that this was a good indication that I am doing something right. I feel that one of my strengths is my love for all things bookish and my passion for and absolute belief in the potential of the public library system. That a child was able to glean that from observing a brief transaction... well, that made me all warm and fuzzy and more than a wee bit proud that that love shines through.
Her sister -- a child around 10 years of age -- was with her, listening to all of this. When I paused for a moment, she said, "Excuse me?" I thought maybe she wanted to find a book to occupy her time while I helped her sister, so I said, "Yes, Miss?"
She looked right at me and said, "You really love this job, don't you?" I was a little surprised by her question, but then I felt myself grin, and I answered her. "Yeah, I really do love my job. I think it's the best job in the world!"
And I do.
Later, when I thought about it, I decided that this was a good indication that I am doing something right. I feel that one of my strengths is my love for all things bookish and my passion for and absolute belief in the potential of the public library system. That a child was able to glean that from observing a brief transaction... well, that made me all warm and fuzzy and more than a wee bit proud that that love shines through.
Incidentally...
... the Oriental Theatre stands on the same site as the infamous Iroquois Theatre, site of the deadliest fire in Chicago History. (Yes, even when considering the Great Chicago Fire. That one killed 250 people. 602 people perished at the Iroquois Theatre.) The 100th anniversary of this tragedy will occur on 30 December 2003.
Woo-hoo!
I am a happy girl! I bought my tickets and I'm going to see Elvis Costello in March at the beautiful Oriental Theatre! I have been lucky enough to see the mighty EC 3 times before, and every time he has blown me away. He has one of the strongest, most amazing voices I have ever heard.
I bought two tickets, although I'm not sure if I know any other real Costello fans (except The Boy, who won't be allowed to go on a school night, and mine sister, who lives far, far away now). I'll figure that out when the concert gets closer.
In the meantime, I can't wait to get home from work today so I can listen to North again!
I bought two tickets, although I'm not sure if I know any other real Costello fans (except The Boy, who won't be allowed to go on a school night, and mine sister, who lives far, far away now). I'll figure that out when the concert gets closer.
In the meantime, I can't wait to get home from work today so I can listen to North again!
Poor, poor squirrels
Who knew that squirrels were the victims of such violent and senseless hazing?
And now, that marvelous song Dr. Demento used to play is running through my head. Swell.
And, as long as I have squirrels on the brain, I would be remiss if I didn't implore you all to listen to the hilarious "Squirrel Cop" segment of This American Life, post haste.
And now, that marvelous song Dr. Demento used to play is running through my head. Swell.
And, as long as I have squirrels on the brain, I would be remiss if I didn't implore you all to listen to the hilarious "Squirrel Cop" segment of This American Life, post haste.
Maybe snow globes aren't as peaceful as they seem...
I love snow globes. In fact, I was just thinking that I should buy one for my snow-deprived nephew. Then I found a swell one on-line...
05 December 2003
And Santa said, "Let there be light." And there was light. And it was good.
Truth be told, I wasn't really looking forward to the Township tree-lighting ceremony tonight. However, I promised to attend, to represent the library, so that was that. My Library Director agreed to meet me there, too, so there was really no backing out of it.
Now I'm glad I went. It was really a nice evening. It wasn't too cold at all. There were a number of kids waiting to see Santa, running around in the wet grass, gathering whatever pathetic snow was left to make a tiny slushman. When Santa arrived (chauffeured in a fire truck, sirens ablaze), the kids went wild with excitement. The tiniest ones were fairly shaking with joy. Only Scrooge (pre-ghost, of course) could have failed to be touched by the Christmas Spirit.
Some speeches by local politicians (including a rather touching one about how all of them need to pay attention to how they behave, even at election time, because children are always watching and they need to set a good example, not just as politicians, but as people), and Santa turned on the lights.
My Library Director introduced me to the Mayor of the town we serve and I chatted with some kids and sipped some cocoa. I was proud of our library tree, proud of our larger community, proud of our township for trying to create a true community, not just a collection of cities and towns and villages.
In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"
Now I'm glad I went. It was really a nice evening. It wasn't too cold at all. There were a number of kids waiting to see Santa, running around in the wet grass, gathering whatever pathetic snow was left to make a tiny slushman. When Santa arrived (chauffeured in a fire truck, sirens ablaze), the kids went wild with excitement. The tiniest ones were fairly shaking with joy. Only Scrooge (pre-ghost, of course) could have failed to be touched by the Christmas Spirit.
Some speeches by local politicians (including a rather touching one about how all of them need to pay attention to how they behave, even at election time, because children are always watching and they need to set a good example, not just as politicians, but as people), and Santa turned on the lights.
My Library Director introduced me to the Mayor of the town we serve and I chatted with some kids and sipped some cocoa. I was proud of our library tree, proud of our larger community, proud of our township for trying to create a true community, not just a collection of cities and towns and villages.
In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"
No lectures for me!
Yesterday, before my yoga class, Odysseus (my little purple Escort) was workin' just fine. After class, though, he was ill. No heat -- or, indeed, air of any kind -- was blowing through my vents. Of course, yesterday was the first really cold day we had.
Damn.
So, I called the dealership where mine uncle (a master mechanic) works, made an appointment for early this morning, and prepared for another, "you need a new car"lecture.
I know my uncle loves me and has my best interests at heart, but still. Yeah, okay, so Odysseus is 7 (almost 8) years old and has nearly 150,000 miles on him. So what? He runs pretty well most days and I love him. Besides which, at this point, I'm not getting any money for him, anyway, so why not drive him 'til he just cain't no more?
Plus, I really want a hybrid, and Ford doesn't make one yet, so...
(I used this argument with my uncle last time and he informed me that Ford will have a hybrid out next year. An SUV. Before I could react, The Boy piped up: "An SUV?! Have you even met Katharine?" Hee.)
Basically, I was readying myself to hear another refrain of the "Betray Odysseus" tune.
However.
It was just a bad wire. My car was fixed in 15 minutes. It cost me $9.
So there! Odysseus rocks!
Damn.
So, I called the dealership where mine uncle (a master mechanic) works, made an appointment for early this morning, and prepared for another, "you need a new car"lecture.
I know my uncle loves me and has my best interests at heart, but still. Yeah, okay, so Odysseus is 7 (almost 8) years old and has nearly 150,000 miles on him. So what? He runs pretty well most days and I love him. Besides which, at this point, I'm not getting any money for him, anyway, so why not drive him 'til he just cain't no more?
Plus, I really want a hybrid, and Ford doesn't make one yet, so...
(I used this argument with my uncle last time and he informed me that Ford will have a hybrid out next year. An SUV. Before I could react, The Boy piped up: "An SUV?! Have you even met Katharine?" Hee.)
Basically, I was readying myself to hear another refrain of the "Betray Odysseus" tune.
However.
It was just a bad wire. My car was fixed in 15 minutes. It cost me $9.
So there! Odysseus rocks!
04 December 2003
Say it ain't so!
In one of the sadder moments of my life, I recently got back the check I sent to Book Magazine. I was excited to finally be subscribing (and wondering what took me so long).
But, as I said, my check came back. Apparently, the November/December 2003 issue is their last.
Strangely enough, this is not mentioned on their webpage -- at least not that I can find.
:'-(
But, as I said, my check came back. Apparently, the November/December 2003 issue is their last.
Strangely enough, this is not mentioned on their webpage -- at least not that I can find.
:'-(
Oh, Tannenbaum...
Today, I was lucky enough to go decorate a tree for our library's town at the township building.
In the rain.
Still and all, it turned out pretty spiffy, what with all the little wooden book ornaments we had. I also found a lovely old-timey Santa to adorn the top of the tree. Yeah, he'll probably be wrecked after enduring the winter, but hey, he was a buck, so no bad.
Friday night is the tree-lighting ceremony and I -- lucky me! -- get to go to represent the library. Should be a hoot and a half.
In the rain.
Still and all, it turned out pretty spiffy, what with all the little wooden book ornaments we had. I also found a lovely old-timey Santa to adorn the top of the tree. Yeah, he'll probably be wrecked after enduring the winter, but hey, he was a buck, so no bad.
Friday night is the tree-lighting ceremony and I -- lucky me! -- get to go to represent the library. Should be a hoot and a half.
01 December 2003
Little things make me happy
Last night, my nephew called me. Well, actually, my sister called me and put my three-year-old nephew on the phone. He said, "Hi, auntie Katharine!" and then asked, "Is it snowing there?"
Because he lives so far away, I see him seldom, and don't talk to him on the phone a super lot, either. But that question made me melt. It showed that he remembered me, that he recalled our last conversation, when I told him it was snowing here.
A little thing, to be sure, but an important one.
I love him.
Because he lives so far away, I see him seldom, and don't talk to him on the phone a super lot, either. But that question made me melt. It showed that he remembered me, that he recalled our last conversation, when I told him it was snowing here.
A little thing, to be sure, but an important one.
I love him.
Look for the silver lining...
I have been trying to find some good in having the flu attack so viciously last week, causing my Thanksgiving feast to be a kingly four saltine crackers and half a cup of soup, but it hasn't been easy, especially since I'm still feeling pretty beat up by the influenza.
Here's something good, though. I haven't smoked a cigarette since the day before I got sick and, honestly, I haven't missed it a bit. I know that in a few days I may change my mind, but I am gonna try my level best not to start up again...
Here's something good, though. I haven't smoked a cigarette since the day before I got sick and, honestly, I haven't missed it a bit. I know that in a few days I may change my mind, but I am gonna try my level best not to start up again...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
