I'M GOING ON A BLOG HUNT

I love this blog that I found via Twitter. It's good for the soul, it's full of heart and it's unlike any other blog I've ever visited. Over at Tiny Art Director, Bill Zeman has a tough job. For three years he has been filling artwork commissions from his daughter (now 4). But the Tiny Art Director is not easy to please. She has definite ideas about how she expects her paintings and drawings to look and she's a harsh, unrelenting critic. This web site is wonderful fun. It's joyous. You'll smile. I promise. And Bill Zeman, is no doubt smiling too. Tiny Art Director (the book), originally self-published, will be released by Chronicle Books in Spring 2010. I'm definitely buying myself a copy! {Note: The cover image is the self-published title no longer available}

I'M GOING ON A BLOG HUNT

There are many excellent blogs reviewing children's and YA books. A new one which I am already a regular visitor to is Robin Gaphni's The Book Nosher. Robin is passionate about children's literature - in her work, her studies and 'hands-on' as a parent.

So far she hasn't reviewed a single title I've recognised - and that's great because I am discovering lots of new books. Robin carefully identifies the target audience for each title - taking into account a range of factors including, age, literacy level, gender and interests - as well as adding her own unique perspective.

She not only writes excellent reviews but provides that 'something extra'. Each review is accompanied by "Tidbits" where facts about the author and the book and relevant links are provided. But my favourite part is "Activities" where Robin suggestes activities to support a reading of the book. I've already borrowed quite a few of her ideas.

[The image accompanying this post comes from another favourite site of mine, Jeff Bucchino's The Wizard of Draws. He does some absolutely 'magical' work' (go look and see what I mean) and today's image, while it suits this page, isn't a good indication of the scope of his work and talent. While I'm talking about wonderful illustration... drop into The Well Read Rabbit where a little white floppy-eared heart-stealer lives.]

I'M GOING ON A BLOG HUNT

And I know exactly where I'm going. With all the wonderful blogs about books and reading and writing, for books of all types for all ages, you wouldn't think there would be a niche left. But there is.

Check out Guys Lit Wire. A site that targets books for guys.

Now I know there are all sort of gender issues in literature and I don't want to discuss those. Well, not tonight anyway. But teenage boys exist in a YA world where I am totally lost. I often have to buy a book for a reader in that age group, and with the exception of sci-fi/fantasy (the most genderless fiction of all) I haven't a clue where to start looking.

Until I found Guys Lit Wire. Set up in May 2008, their mission is (from the website):

Guys Lit Wire exists solely to bring literary news and reviews to the attention of teenage boys and the people who care about them. We are more than happy to welcome female readers - but our main goal is to bring the attention of good books to guys who might have missed them. The titles will be new or old and on every subject imaginable. We guarantee new posts every Monday through Friday and have a list of twenty-three individual scheduled contributors plus several additional occasional posters all of whom have different literary likes and dislikes. We hope to provide something for everyone and will strive to accomplish that goal.

And they succeed in doing exactly that. I love the insight they give me. I love the books they help me find. And I love the way I now have a much better chance of choosing a successful present match.

I'M GOING ON A BLOG HUNT

And today's treasure find is ....

Dear Word Spy/Dear Word Snoop I'm a word lover from way back. This site is lots of fun and will introduce you to all sorts of new words - the laughable, the serious and many I guarantee you will re-use. I've discovered I'm Hypergraphic (someone who rights a lot). So if you ever take a 'sick leave from work to write - that's what is wrong with you!