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Maurice Sendak, the renowned children's book author who revolutionized the genre, has died. He was 83. Sendak died on Tuesday from complications caused by a recent stroke, his editor told the New York Times. He lived in Ridgefield, Conn., and was hospitalized in nearby Danbury. According to the Associated Press, Sendak had suffered the stroke on Friday. Sendak wrote and illustrated more than 50 children's books--including "Where the Wild Things Are," his most famous, published in 1963.

The mischievous traveling monkey that became a childhood favorite, Curious George, might never have become an American curiosity had it not been for the Nazi invasion of France. His creators escaped oppression, and he eventually became an icon. Now the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie is honoring thier achievement in a new exhibit that shares the story of the husband-and-wife creators of the “good little monkey,” reports the Sun-Times H.A. and Margret Reys were German Jews living in Paris on the eve of the Nazi invasion. During their five-month escape in 1940, they fled on bicycles with...

Cameo appearance teaches kids dangers of rumors and gossip, indicts media While the former Governor and Vice Presidential candidate has achieved success with record book sales and support for a 2012 presidential election bid, she has also achieved something else few public figures ever have: heroine status in a children’s book. In a cameo appearance, “Governor Sarah,” a Palin lookalike character, attempts to help two boys with a struggling swingset business hang onto the American Dream despite high taxes, burdensome regulations and 246 czars in the recently released children’s book Help! Mom! Radicals Are Ruining My Country

When President Obama announced plans to give a speech to the nation’s schoolchildren in September, it set off a frenzy among conservative commentators who deemed it, in the words of Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer, an attempt to “indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.” Now, with the release of Katharine DeBrecht’s latest children’s book, “Help! Mom! Radicals are Ruining My Country!” — which lampoons senior Democratic members of Congress, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts — it is liberals’ turn to cry foul about the partisan poisoning of impressionable...

Like so many parents, I have agonized over the changing political climate, the degradation of morals, and the loss of liberty that the nation has been experiencing for quite some time. I’ve watched as our children have become more violent, while our educational standards plummet. And I can’t seem to shake the creepy echoing in my head of children singing Obama praises to the tunes of “Jesus Loves Me” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Look at some grade school literature like Heather Has Two Mommies, a story about Heather, a child of artificial insemination being raised by lesbian...

Bienvenu Mbutu Mondondo, 41, is taking legal action claiming Hergé's controversial Tintin In The Congo is propaganda for colonialism and amounts to "racism and xenophobia". "Tintin's little (black) helper is seen as stupid and without qualities. It makes people think that blacks have not evolved," he said. Mr Mbutu Mondondo launched a case in Belgium two years ago for symbolic damages of one euro from Tintin's Belgian publishers Moulinsart, and demanded the book be withdrawn from the market.

puma08.comSept. 2, 2009Remember, the Dept. of Education expects your kids to read books on the life of Barack Obama before the monumental speech on September 8th, well here’s a look at two of the books that shall be used: The first book is aptly titled: Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and here is the description, direct from the Publisher’s Website: Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope....

Brooklyn's chief librarian has yanked a nearly 80-year-old book from the shelves because it depicts Africans as monkeys. Tintin Au Congo is the only book in the city library system hidden from public view after a reader complained that it was "racially offensive." The popular Belgian children's work - due to be made into a movie by Steven Spielberg - is locked behind a series of hidden doors on the third floor of Brooklyn's central library. "'Tintin au Congo' was relocated," said director Richard Reyes-Gavilan. Library officials across the city said they've debated pulling about 25 books and DVDs from...

... A mountain of research points to a central lesson: Pry your kids away from the keyboard and the television this summer, and get them reading. Let me help by offering my list of the Best Children’s Books — Ever! So here they are, in ascending order of difficulty, and I can vouch that these are also great to read aloud. 1. “Charlotte’s Web.” The story of the spider who saves her friend, the pig, is the kindest representation of an arthropod in literary history. 2. The Hardy Boys series. Yes, I hear the snickers. But I devoured them myself...

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The criticism of children's author Judy Blume has reached such a fever pitch so quickly after an expose' article from Lifenews.com that Planned Parenthood is begging for help. Blume wrote a mother's day fundraising letter for the abortion business that has pro-life advocates aghast.Blume plugged the pro-abortion group in an attempt to raise money near Mother's Day and her missive ironically suggested that abortion advocates celebrate mothers by donating to Planned Parenthood.LifeNews.com received an email blast this afternoon from Planned Parenthood to its supporters titled "Please help" and begging for assistance in responding to the...

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Famous children's author Judy Blume is no stranger to controversy, but she's added to herself to a list of people who will be remember for something more devastating. Blume has lent her name the solicitation of donations for Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion business.In a new missive ironically celebrating mothers day, Blume suggests sending a donation to the pro-abortion group to honor mothers."Say thanks this Mother's Day with a gift that honors her courage by making a donation to Planned Parenthood in her name. I guarantee you that she'll be pleased. I know I would...

It's a phenomenon in American bookstores: Barack Obama appears as the hero on the cover of a growing number of works of children's literature from babies' picture books to longer stories for young adults.

President Obama, the merchandising phenomenon, has been a boon to sidewalk T-shirt vendors everywhere, the Washington Times reports. Less conspicuous, perhaps, is the equally robust success of the children's book industry in marketing Obama's hopeful aura and personal history to parents of young children. Are children's book publishers seeking to indoctrinate impressionable young readers -- or are they simply obeying the laws of supply and demand? When the country elects a new president, publishers characteristically issue a biography or two geared toward young readers. But in the case of Obama, publishers are tapping into unusual levels of excitement and curiosity....

As Julia L. Mickenberg and Philip Nel document in Tales for Little Rebels: A Collection of Radical Children’s Literature (New York University, $32.95), Marxist principles have been dripping steadily into the minds of American youth for more than a century. This isn’t altogether surprising. After all, most parents want their children to be far left in their early years — to share toys, to eschew the torture of siblings, to leave a clean environment behind them, to refrain from causing the extinction of the dog, to rise above coveting and hoarding, and to view the blandishments of corporate America through...

For most, they are innocent tales that define childhood. But some parents are ditching fairytales, believing they are politically incorrect or 'too dark' to read to children, a survey has found. One in four mothers has abandoned the likes of Cinderella and Rapunzel in favour of The Gruffalo or The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written in 1969 by Eric Carle. One in ten parents even said Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs should be re-titled - because 'the dwarf reference is not PC'. Rapunzel is considered 'too dark' and Cinderella outdated, because she is forced to do the housework. The poll...

Favourites such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Rapunzel are being dropped by some families who fear children are being emotionally damaged. A third of parents refused to read Little Red Riding Hood because she walks through woods alone and finds her grandmother eaten by a wolf. One in 10 said Snow White should be re-named because "the dwarf reference is not PC". Rapunzel was considered "too dark" and Cinderella has been dumped amid fears she is treated like a slave and forced to do all the housework.

Later this month the book "Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope" will be published by Simon & Schuster. Nikki Grimes, a children's author and poet, wrote enthusiastically on her website that a book usually takes her 3-6 months to write, but in this case she "miraculously" finished it in just two weeks. It is full of rhyming verses, descriptions of the exotic countries that little Obama visited, and conversation "Barry" the kid holds with hope. Even God himself talks to Barry while he's in church on Sunday, telling him: "Look around you. Now look to me. There is...

While tar baby can be used as a racist attack on black people, it isn't used that way in any of these examples. John Kerry used it in the same manner as John McCain and Mitt Romney. I, for the first time, find myself coming to the defense of John Kerry. He isn't racist because of what he said here (but he is still an elitist windbag.) The fact is this: You are being played, and those playing you for a fool rely on your ignorance. Pick up a copy of "The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus" by Joel Chandler...

Safety warnings a new chapter for fairytales By Elissa Lawrence July 13, 2008 12:01am Article from: Sunday Mail (SA) TEACHERS are being urged to give children safety messages after reading them fairytales warning not to copy characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and Hansel and Gretel. A new child protection curriculum being implemented by the Education Department also requires teachers to refer to children's "sexual parts" and use their correct anatomical names with children as young as three. Child development experts have backed the measures, but critics believe they are an example of political correctness overkill that could...

"My Mommy Wears Combat Boots," was written by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride before her second deployment, partly to explain to her daughter why she would be gone. The book was published in February. Photo by courtesy WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 8, 2008) - A new children's book, written by a former Soldier and single mother, helps to explain why mom deployed and how to cope with the emotions associated with her departure. "My Mommy Wears Combat Boots," written by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride, is geared to young children and toddlers to help explain why mom...

A Markham firm has been sent hopping to yank a Valentine version of the Happy Bunny book series after a mother complained of its "disturbing" messages. Scholastic Canada Ltd. yesterday said it was responding to Tina Dale's objection after her daughter Emily, 8, brought home It's Happy Bunny: I (Love) Me Valentines, by Detroit author Jim Benton. Some of the 36 pull-out stickers include references to "floating face down in a river"; "Wow! You're icky! Would some candy make you feel better about that?"; "I think you're the best. (The best I can do for now.)"; "I know how you...

Haven't been on here for a couple years. I was lucky to even remember my user name and password. Here's the help I need: I remember a couple of times on Christmas I read a story, namely Ramona and The Three Wise Persons to my kids. I would like to do so again this year but have no idea what book or story anthology it would possibly be in. I was at a used book store yesterday and the gentleman searched on amazon to no avail. Anybody ever heard of this story or know where I could get it?

Politically-correct publishers are censoring children's books because of fears over health and safety, according to a leading author. Lindsey Gardiner, who has written and illustrated 15 children's books, claims publishers banned youngsters from walking alone in one novel and removed sharp objects from another. Her latest book, Who Wants A Dragon?, originally featured a dragon toasting marshmallows on flames from his nostrils as he sat around a campfire. She said her publishers insisted that she change the scene because "it looks dangerous and goes against health and safety." Miss Gardiner, 36, who is based in Dundee, said: "It does seem...

PC publishers ban dragon from breathing fire in children's book... because it's too dangerousBy KURT BAYER and JAMES TAPPER - More by this author » Last updated at 00:35am on 18th November 2007A leading children's author was told to drop a fire-breathing dragon shown in a new book - because the publishers feared they could be sued under health and safety regulations. It is just one of the politically correct cuts Lindsey Gardiner says she has been told to make in case youngsters act out the stories. As well as the scene showing her dragon toasting marshmallows with his...

Madeleine L’Engle, award-winning author of many children’s and science-fiction books, including “A Wrinkle in Time,” has died of natural causes in Connecticut, accordintg to her publisher. She was 88. L’Engle wrote in many genres over an incredibly productive lifetime, but “Wrinkle” is the book that made her name. Published in 1963, it won the Newberry Award for children’s literature, and according to the New York Times, had sold more than 6 million copies by 2004. That’s not quite up to “Harry Potter” numbers, but for several generations, “A Wrinkle in Time” was sort of our “Harry Potter.” I first encountered...

If literature truly reflects society, then the end of the Harry Potter series spells trouble for us all. Because, after 10 years, 4,195 pages, and over 325 million copies, J.K. Rowling's towering achievement lacks the cornerstone of almost all great children's literature: the hero's moral journey. Without that foundation, her story – for all its epic trappings of good versus evil – is stuck in a moral no man's land. To be clear: This isn't a critique of Ms. Rowling's values. It's a recognition of a disturbing trend in commercial storytelling and Western society. For those who've yet to finish...

Meg Rosoff has won Britain's most prestigious prize in children's literature today with her novel written for teenagers about death, depression and sex. The American-born author, who now lives in London, was awarded the CILIP Carnegie Medal for her second book, Just In Case. She joins the ranks of distinguished writers including CS Lewis, Eleanor Farjeon and David Almond who have won the coveted award, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Later today the greatest Carnegie-winning author will be announced. The Carnegie of Carnegie’s author was chosen by the public from a shortlist of ten, that included Mary Norton,...

Pinocchio and friends converted to Islam Malcolm Moore in Antalya (Filed: 31/08/2006) Pinocchio, Tom Sawyer and other characters have been converted to Islam in new versions of 100 classic stories on the Turkish school curriculum. "Give me some bread, for Allah's sake," Pinocchio says to Geppetto, his maker, in a book stamped with the crest of the ministry of education. "Thanks be to Allah," the puppet says later. advertisement In The Three Musketeers, D'Artagnan is told that he cannot visit Aramis. The reason would surprise the author, Alexandre Dumas. An old woman explains: "He is surrounded by men of religion....

I have just spent two hours on line and combing through a Children's Poetry book for inspirational poems which could be used in the classroom. I have a list of ONE!!! Does anyone else have an idea for a poem other than "If" which can be used?And PLEASE don't suggest those vapid, nonsense works from Shel Silverstein. Thanks to all who wish to make a contribution.

Let Sleeping Beauties Lie By Dorothea Israel WolfsonPosted August 2, 2006This essay appeared in the Summer 2006 issue of the Claremont Review of Books. Click here to send a comment.   A review of The Norton Anthology of Children's Literature: The Traditions in English edited by Jack Zipes, Lissa Paul, Lynne Vallone, Peter Hunt, and Gillian Avery  Parents have always fretted about what to read to their children, and experts have always been ready with advice. In their educational writings, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau together mentioned only three books worthy of a child's mind. Locke recommended Aesop's...

Those who have recently been decrying a "racist use" of the image of the Tar Baby might benefit from knowing more about the allusion and its origins. Tony Snow, now the White House press secretary, certainly found himself in the proverbial Brier Patch when he used the image to describe his predicament when facing his first meeting with the Washington press corps. The infamous Tar Baby originated as a figure in a grand scheme detailed in an African-American Brer Rabbit slave tale. These stories, in which the sly rabbit always manages to outwit those who are stronger and more powerful...

Once there reigned a queen, in whose garden were found the most glorious flowers at all seasons and from all the lands of the world. But more than all others she loved the roses, and she had many kinds of this flower, from the wild dog-rose with its apple-scented green leaves to the most splendid, large, crimson roses. They grew against the garden walls, wound themselves around the pillars and wind-frames, and crept through the windows into the rooms, and all along the ceilings in the halls. And the roses were of many colors, and of every fragrance and form....

Next time you're at your school or public library, check out the "C" section of kids' fiction. Chances are you'll see at least one shelf filled with books by Beverly Cleary. The author who created characters as memorable as Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins has written 39 children's books, and most libraries have several copies of her most popular titles. Beverly Cleary turns 90 today. To celebrate her birthday, kids across the country will Drop Everything And Read, just like Ramona does in "Ramona Quimby, Age 8."

On Sunday, February 19 at 12:15 pm and Monday, February 20 at 12:45 am The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis Alan Jacobs Description: Professor Alan Jacobs profiles Oxford scholar and religious writer C.S. Lewis in his book "The Narnian." C.S. Lewis created the childrens series "The Chronicles of Narnia," as well as many books for adults on religious topics. Mr. Jacobs details the writer's life and discusses his influence on scholars around the world. This event was hosted by the Cambridge Forum in Massachusetts.

Curiously, new monkey movie lands in middle of cultural battle - Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer Friday, February 10, 2006 For the politically correct Bay Area parent, the "Curious George" children's books are a minefield of cultural horrors through which to tiptoe. Imperialism. Animal abuse. Bad parenting. Puh-leeeeze, George's defenders say. They're children's books, whose charm has not dimmed -- 25 million books and countless swag sold -- even if ideas about political correctness have evolved since the first George adventure was published in 1941. Sometimes a speechless, mischievous monkey is just that -- a monkey, not a metaphor. Besides,...

For the politically correct Bay Area parent, the "Curious George" children's books are a minefield of cultural horrors through which to tiptoe. Imperialism. Animal abuse. Bad parenting. Puh-leeeeze, George's defenders say. They're children's books, whose charm has not dimmed -- 25 million books and countless swag sold -- even if ideas about political correctness have evolved since the first George adventure was published in 1941. Sometimes a speechless, mischievous monkey is just that -- a monkey, not a metaphor. Besides, George's tales are no more un-PC than those of that royalist warmonger, Babar. Both camps are wondering how "Curious...

It is my opinion that finally there is a film that does seem to have it all. Brilliant production quality, moving and engaging story, witty dialogue, visually stunning to watch, beautiful score, flawless make up and costume design, incredible cast — each giving their best performances — and endless amounts of wisdom, laughter, touching scenes and truths to take with you as the credits roll. Based on a series of British books published for children in the 60’s, titled Nurse Matilda and written by Christianna Brand, comes the story of Nanny McPhee. Emma Thompson (who won an Academy Award in...

examples....more on the thread. basically a photoshop contest

Great Photoshop contest of Teddy's next children's book.

Sen. Kennedy to Publish Children's Book Meet the latest children's author, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and his Portuguese Water Dog, Splash, his co-protagonist in "My Senator and Me: A Dogs-Eye View of Washington, D.C." Scholastic Inc. will release the book in May. "I am very excited about the opportunity to create a book for young readers and their families that will deepen their understanding of how our American government works," Kennedy said in a statement Monday issued by Scholastic. According to Scholastic, Kennedy's book "not only takes readers through a full day in the Senator's life, but also explains how...

First of all I would like to add that I am a 13 year old girl and am not a parent. I have read all of the Harry Potter Books. With two parents that are devoted Christians I understand partially your view on the Harry Potter books but I respectfully disagree. To a young child the Harry Potter books are comforting. These people although portrayed as witches and wizards are well rounded people and little kids respect that. For instance if any of you have read the Harry Potter Books Hermoine Granger is a girl very dedicated to her school...

Winnie the Pooh, one of the world's best loved characters, is celebrating his 80th birthday. Pooh - based on the bedtime stories by Alan Alexander (AA) Milne - first appeared in the London Evening News on Christmas Eve 1925 in a story called The Wrong Sort of Bees. The honey-loving bear's many adventures - along with his friends Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore - have since been translated into more than 40 languages. Walt Disney, which owns the rights to Winnie the Pooh, is planning a year of celebrations, beginning early in the new year. Before he created Pooh, Milne was...

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Stan Berenstain, who with his wife created the popular children's books about the Berenstain Bears, has died. He was 82 and lived in Bucks County. He died in Pennsylvania on Saturday, said Audra Boltion, a spokeswoman for HarperCollins Children's Books in New York. In more than 200 books, the Berenstain Bears, written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, helped children for 40 years cope with trips to the dentist, eating junk food and cleaning their messy rooms. The first Berenstain Bears book, "The Great Honey Hunt," was published in 1962. The couple developed the series...

In the great green room, there is a telephone, and a red balloon, but no ashtray. "Goodnight Moon," the children's classic by Margaret Wise Brown, has gone smoke free. In a newly revised edition of the book, which has lulled children to sleep for nearly 60 years, the publisher, HarperCollins, has digitally altered the photograph of Clement Hurd, the illustrator, to remove a cigarette from his hand. HarperCollins said it made the change to avoid the appearance of encouraging smoking and did so with the permission of the illustrator's estate. But Mr. Hurd's son, also a children's book illustrator and...

http://www.visionforum.com/beautifulgirlhood/about/ An alternative to American Girl Dolls What a privilege to be the father of three precious daughters and husband to the greatest wife in the world. My constant prayer is that the Lord will continue to affirm them as women of God. This same prayer is the heart of our mission at Vision Forum. Since our founding in 1998, Vision Forum has been committed to the restoration of the Christian family. Our book catalog, our All-American Boy’s Adventure Catalog, and the Beautiful Girlhood Collection are all designed to tackle different aspects of the cultural battle for the family. We...

Gov. Jeb Bush is encouraging Florida schoolchildren to read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a parable of the New Testament gospels, for a contest timed with the release of the movie version by a company owned by a prominent Republican donor. The $150 million film opens Dec. 9, and three sets of winners will get a private screening in Orlando, two nights at a Disney resort, a dinner at Medieval Times and a copy of the C.S. Lewis children's novel signed by Jeb and Columba Bush. As to the religious themes in the book, Openshaw said the story...

Liberals Furious Over New Children's Book New kid’s book “Liberals Under My Bed” becomes lightning rod for controversy. Prominent liberals liken it to Nazi propaganda, but conservative author laughs off allegations. Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2005 –- Liberals all over the country are up in arms over a new children’s book that portrays cartoon versions of left-wing icons Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy taxing and regulating a lemonade stand. “Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed” (Kids Ahead; hardcover: $15.95; ISBN 0976726904) hits bookstore shelves today, but author Katharine DeBrecht has already found herself under fire from...

Mom got a special present the Christmas, I think, when she had the first four grandchildren around: Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss, of course. It was the perfect gift, from my sister, who knew how much Mom would enjoy reading to the kids. Many years have passed and the rascals have grown. I imagine the book ended up in Mary's pre-K collection at St. Mary's. I had forgotten about it until we took our 15 1/2 year old baby to see Seussical the Musical the other night, which blends the two Horton plots with various other Seuss characters...

TRURO, Mass. (AP) - Catherine Woolley, the author of 87 children's books enjoyed by young readers around the globe, died Saturday at her home on Cape Cod. She was 100. Woolley, who was so prolific that her publisher advised her to use a pen name, continued to write into her 90s, said her niece, Betsy Drinkwater of Enfield, N.H., but had been in failing health in recent years. Her first book, "I Like Trains," was published in 1944; her last, "Writing for Children," in 1989. For older children, Woolley used her real name on books such as the "Ginnie and...