When you leave your parents’ home you officially become an adult. Your newfound freedom allows you to make your own decisions without anyone telling you what to do. How exhilarating! You sleep when you’re tired. You eat when you’re hungry and drink when you’re thirsty. But personal freedom extends way beyond one’s basic needs. This freedom also allows you to try things you’ve always wanted to try, like having a Coke for breakfast. How about lunch and dinner? Three to four helpings of your favorite dish, why not? Speaking from a male perspective, there is something really exciting about eating large quantities!
A Starred Review for Bob
I and I Bob Marley received a starred review from Booklist magazine. The review calls I and I “[A] rare, soulful tribute.”
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People
Winners Abound!
Winner in the Grades 4-6 category:
Bird by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Shadra Strickland
Make Your Own Sushi
For a great cooking adventure, pair Hiromi’s Hands and this delicious activity.
Create a Father’s Day Card for Dad
For a fun craft project, pair In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall with this activity to make the best card Dad has ever received.
Painting Demonstration
Illustrator Bill Farnsworth shares a wonderful oil painting demonstration, using Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer as his subject. This painting demonstration shows the skill and attention to detail that goes into illustrating our picture books.
Summer Reading Survey
Some of our authors and illustrators share their memories of summer reading to inspire kids to cool down with a good book on hot summer days.
Whitewashing Persists in Film
An article entitled “Protesters oppose ‘whitewashing’ in new Shyamalan film,” 
published on January 29, 2009, by The Daily Pennsylvanian states, “In the world of acting, not all colors are created equal—or at least that’s how many people feel when ethnic roles are ‘whitewashed,’ or cast with white actors. Casting for extras in M. Night Shyamalan’s Avatar: The Last Airbender took place last Saturday at the Spectrum, where protesters accused casting
Artful Recycling
Spotted on the corner of 31st Street and Madison Avenue, near the Lee & Low offices. These inactive fire alarms make an amazing diorama. Check out the Beatles theme! Funny thing about this—it was gone the very next day!