World Book Day 2012

1 week to go before World Book Day 2012, on 1 March. As ever it looks really great;

• The £1 books look cool; get  your tokens ready.
• The Biggest Show on Earth, online festival, includes some amazing authors and illustrators.
• Nominate a Storytelling Superstar.
• Play games, enter a competition or attend an event (including one at the Houses of Parliament).
• There are tons of Resources for schools, libraries, bookshops etc.

Almost too much to take in, have fun!

Book awards, competitions and festivals

I've spotted a few nice book-themed activities recently.

• Blue Peter Book Awards 2012, they are also trying yo find
• The Best Children's Book of the Last 10 Years
• BBC 500 Words story-writing competition with Chris Evans
• Schools Minister Nick Gibb's new reading competition
• Redhouse Children's Book Award, the 2012 winner will be announced at the...
• Imagine Children's Festival - 11 - 26 February - it's on now!

Video: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Great book-themed animation, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.



Their descriptions sums it all up better than I could:

Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is one of five animated short films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards ®.

[thanks to Drawn]

Lists and Comics and Graphic Novels

I recently treated myself to 1001 Comic Books: You Must Read Before You Die. I love lists, I think it's a male thing. It's given me a long list of books to read, top of that list is Habibi by Craig Thompson.
As I was reading 1001 Comic Books, the YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) produced a list of the top ten graphic novels for teen readers. This is one of many YALSA list another is Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. These top 10s have been nicely presented by the Walking Brain Cells blog.

I think graphic novels and comics are perfect for the young people we support here at Reading Matters. Bridging the two lists (graphic novels and quick picks for reluctant readers) is DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide. Again, there is something about lists that really appeals to boys. I had to buy a last minute Christmas present for a 10 year old friend. I went for LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia. I am not usually a great present selector, but this one was a massive success.

I'd urge you to check out some of these lists, there's something for everyone!