Reading Friends/Listening Cat Mugs and More at LIBRARY STORE

Shop for Mothers Day mugs and more at the California Campaign LIBRARY STORE.  There are more than 20 images to choose from, each with the message "READ. KNOW. GROW."

Images are on mugs, water bottles, keepsake boxes, and a full line of T-shirts for moms and children.  Look for your favorite childrens book illustrator or image.  Start your collection today.

Artists (as of April 2011):

American graphic novelist/illustrator Kazu Kibuishi donated a pink reading rabbit to promote reading and libraries.

2.     Library cat says Read.Know.Grow. Aliki writes and illustrates many well-loved books and has donated two wonderful library cat illustrations. 

3.     Marianne Wallace is a writer and illustrator of children's middle grade non-fiction nature books.  Marianne has donated images of books with sunflowers.  One is a book-as-flower in a pot. Another is a stack of books with sunflowers.

4.     Caroline Arnold's big, beautiful Panda offers words to ponder: Read.Know.Grow.

5.     Joe Cepeda has done illustrations for magazines as well as for children's books. Joe donated a night-time image of young children outside, searching for something… using books to light the way.

6.     Marla Frazee says "There isn't any guessing when it comes to how much, or if, children like a given book. If a book bores them, they will get up and find something else to do." See her wonderful magical reading tree.

7.     David Shannon is an award-winning author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. "No, David" is a Caldecott Honor book.

8.     Brian Selznick has illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan. See his image of a child carrying a banner “Strong School Libraries = Strong Students”.

 Moonlight cow and Farm cow illustrations have been donated by Steve Gray in support of libraries. Steve Gray’s cartoon characters have been seen in digital media, broadcast, and print publication.

Sophie Blackall, illustrator of the Ivy & Bean books, supports libraries. See her library storytime art.

Ben Boos has created a powerful key and book illustration with the message, “Read.Know.Grow.” 

Reading in a tree? How fun!  See book Art by Sarajo Frieden in support of libraries.

Spaceheadz illustration by Steven Weinberg in collaboration with Jon Scieszka. 

Sea Captain by Bob Logan carries the message, "Read.Know.Grow." in support of libraries. His newest book is called “ Sea of Bath”.
   
Blue Guys by Michael Slack carries the message: "Read. Know. Grow." See the boy’s imagination as he is surrounded by books and a computer. His recent book, Monkey Truck, is adorably hilarious. You can see his book trailer at vimeo.com/18605836.

Tom Lichtenheld has donated his fun "Duck Rabbit" illustration in support of California School Libraries. 

Make a commitment to check the site weekly to see what has been added.  Each time you promote the Campaign and its LIBRARY STORE, you make another person or persons aware of the importance of strong school libraries.  Proceeds support the public awareness campaign.  Learn more about the issues, the research, and the crisis at http://librarycampaign.csla.net

Kid Book Reviews - An Open House Treat (FUN & FREE)

Free, fun, fabulous idea of the week:

(Thanks to Alfie Cohen, Steven Krashen, and HS Teacher Librarian Connie Williams)

"Early this week Dr. Krashen sent out a great idea from Alfie Cohen about putting book reviews on lockers, etc. I loved it and since this evening was Open House I thought I'd give it a try. I asked many English teachers if they'd have their students write a 'quick write' that started:
[name] is reading.....   and then whatever they wanted to write about."

"With only 3 days to put this out to them... they were amazing! They (classroom teachers) loved the idea and sent lots and lots of them.  I think that they'll continue it.  What a great way to reinforce to teachers just how much kids like to read when they get to read what they choose. I plastered the hall to the library and put a sign Board at the end of the hall saying:"

"My T.A.s (teaching assistants) put them on lockers, on doors, and all over. I included some QR coded book talk signs too... lots of parents looked at them, and many kids dragged their parents over to their own reviews.   It was lots of fun.  I think that what I'll do now after taking these down is to practice "random acts of book reviews" and just post some every now and then in various places around the school."

"Kids wrote all over the map from Kafka to Dr Seuss to Superman....  it was fun."

Connie Williams, TL at Petaluma HS

Two Teachers and a Microphone -- Protests against LAUSD Pink Slips

Angry Teacher Rap about Getting Fired - two rap videos by Two Teachers and a Microphone productions.  What is happening in Los Angeles is happening across California.  It is a total meltdown.  Tons of teachers, including hundreds of Teacher Librarians and Library Assistants, are getting eliminated.  


What is wrong with this picture??? California needs to CREATE JOBS, INCREASE LITERACY, BUILD STRONG STUDENTS.