Book Covers: Amazing, Arresting, and Artistic

November 1, 2011

It’s time for another look at standout, beautifully designed book covers. I’ve gathered examples that are attention-getting and cleverly convey a message about the content of the book. What I have seen in my recent forays into cover art is that some              designers opt for simplicity. I find that […]


“Scary” Mary Poppins

October 31, 2011

Just in time for Halloween, please allow us to introduce the latest craze sweeping the Internet.  Much like the horror mash-up trend that gave us the popular Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the creative and computer-savvy have taken to recutting classic movie trailers into something a bit more creepy.  Check out the entertaining “Scary” Mary Poppins below, and […]


Don’t Mess With Shakespeare

October 26, 2011

A new film on Shakespeare which is being released in the U.S. on Friday is already coming under criticism. Anonymous (starring Rhys Ifans and Rafe Spall) maintains that aristocrat Edward de Vere is the true author of Shakespeare’s plays-an assertion that has the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust quite upset. “The trust, a British charity organization that […]


50th Anniversary of The Phantom Tollbooth

October 25, 2011

Norman Juster writes about his “accidental masterpiece,” The Phantom Tollbooth, which has been delighting readers of all ages for fifty years.


Beethoven Composition of 1799 Completed in 2011

October 25, 2011

A British music professor has put his final touches on a discarded movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet in G after 212 years! Barry Cooper decided how to proceed based on some sketches the composer left over and said this is probably the first time it’s been performed since then. NPR covered this story, too, with […]


Eoin Colfer Crosses Over to the Adult Side

October 25, 2011

Eoin (pronounced Owen) Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl books, a popular children’s series of seven titles with an eighth due out in June, 2012, has crossed over to the adult and much darker side. Plugged, his crime caper featuring Daniel McEvoy, a bouncer in a sleazy joint in New Jersey was recently released to much […]


James Kennedy and “90-Second Newbery Film Festival” at Harold Washington Nov. 16

October 23, 2011

James Kennedy will emcee the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival  which gives a visual glimpse of the children’s literature award winners over the years. He’s the author of the The Order of Odd-Fish books and the owner of a very colorful and wacky website. Sounds like an creative way to combine reading with the arts.  Shira […]


Print Photos from iPad as an eBook

October 23, 2011

Online publisher Blurb has announced a plan to charge $!.99 for a photo book. Above that charge the publisher can keep all the profits and the books will sell for $10.00. This is meant to provide easy, quick access to photos for a low price. If you need to brush up on your photo-taking skills, […]


“e” for “errors”

October 22, 2011

An explanation for those wondering why e-books tend to have so many typographical and formatting errors.



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