more podcasts

Still can't see. Hoping that I'd have a little more vision today but it is not happening. I go back for a checkup tomorrow. I hope she'll have some good news. I don't know what is worse -- not seeing what is there or seeing things that aren't!!


My 4 year old grandson was very excited this past weekend because he was going to spend the night at his other grandmother's house. Since he lives with me, it isn't as much of a treat to stay with me :-) Well, around bedtime, my daughter and son-in-law get a phone call. You guessed it. Aiden wants to come home. Just like in Mary Ann Hoberman's book "I'm going to Grandma's"

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/hoberman_i'm.mp3

The war in the Middle East has been on my mind for so long. I have been against the war from the beginning and mourn the loss of our children in this senseless war. Wilborn Hampton, gives us some background to war in this part of the world in WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST : BLACK SEPTEMBER AND THE YOM KIPPUR WAR : A REPORTER'S STORY

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/hampton_war.mp3

I love Mini Grey and her new book, Ginger Bear, tells of a gingerbread cookie trying to save itself.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/grey_ginger.mp3

The eyes have it

I've made it through the second surgery on my eye. I now have no sight in the eye. I'm told it will get better as the days go by and that the operation was a success. I am looking at one more surgery before I can put this all behind me.

I've been listening to books on mp3 since I can't read very well. I just finished Dark Water Rising by Marian Hale. It takes place during the Galveston hurricane in 1900. I've also listened to Meg Cabot's Pants on Fire. Great for lying in bed recuperating. I've just started Memoirs of a teenage amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin. I wish the Printz winner was on mp3 so I could listen to it but alas, it is not.

Today's podcast is

Geeslin, Campbell. CLARA & SENOR FROG

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/geeslin_clara.mp3

And the winners are...

http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/announce08.htm

It was pretty exciting to watch the announcements this morning. Thank you to everyone who helped make that possible.

There were no real shocking announcements this year. Perhaps the exclusion of Sherman Alexis' book from even an honor was the most unexpected. I admit I have not read The White Darkness but it is certainly on my list now!

The Newbery winner was an interesting choice. I loved Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! and adore Schlitz's writing. I was a bit surprised that it won the award though. The honor books are all on my love list as well.

The Caldecott committee went with a book that is not a traditional picture book. It is more of a novel and I thought it would be on the Newbery list. You have to admit that Hugo Cabret is a new and delightful piece that is sure to spawn imitators. The honor books are well deserved as well.

I was happy to see Lightship win a Sibert honor. I really liked this book and was fascinated with the lightship history.

Surprized not to see Shawn Tan's Arrival on any list. I was sure it would be.

Walter Dean Myers (May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture) and Orson Scot Card! Can't get much better than that!

Overall, I think this year's winners will be met with agreement and acceptance. I know I am very happy with the selections.

Twas the night before the awards ...

I am so looking forward to the awards announcements tomorrow. I'd rather be there but at least I can watch via the computer. Will it be a year of silent astonishment? Or a year of agreement? You just never know.

I am still laid up by this eye problem. I am tired of not being able to do anything. I had to stay home from work for a week, but I've not been able to do anything!! I can't read very well. I'm not supposed to be on the computer for long. I can't really watch videos. Thank goodness for books on mp3. And my public library's subscription to overdrive! I go back to the surgeon tomorrow and hope she'll tell me that I am on the mend and can start being mobile again!

We are in for another big snow storm today. It looks as if we will miss the biggest accumulation but they are still predicting 6-12 inches of snow.

Today's podcast is for a non-fiction book about tv direction. I love these books that give me a peek into what goes on behind the scenes. I think this will be a big "seller" during career units.

Dunkleberger, Amy. SO YOU WANT TO BE A FILM OR TV DIRECTOR?

http://nancykeane.com/mp3/dunkleberger_so.mp3

Not going to ALA

I was really looking forward to heading out to Philadelphia tomorrow. But it is not meant to be. On Monday, I suffered a retinal detachment. For a librarian, there isn't much more devastating than going blind. I was lucky though. My eye doctor got me in to see a retinal specialist right away. I had surgery on Monday night and it is looking good. It will be a few more days before we know if it was successful but as of this morning, all signs are looking toward success. I'll still have a few more procedures to have done but hope to be as good as new soon. I look like I've been in a boxing match! My eye is so swollen I can't see out of it anyway!

This near tragedy experience made me realize how blessed I am in my life. I have my sight, my health, my family, my colleagues and, thankfully, great health insurance. My doctor was telling me today that some people choose blindness because they have no health insurance and can't afford the surgery. How can this happen in this country? I just went to the surgeon, presented my health card and never gave it a second thought on Monday. Now I am thinking a lot about those who can't do that.

When you are looking at candidates in the upcoming elections, imagine you have no health insurance and your doctor has just told you that you are going blind. How would that affect you?

CYBILS short list announced

http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/

The Cybils shortlist has been announced. If you have not heard of this award, the public nominates their favorite children's books from 2007 in seven categories: Picture Books; Non-fiction Picture Books; Middle Grade fiction; Poetry; Young Adult fiction; Non-fiction (YA/MG); and Graphic Novels. Anyone with an e-mail address may nominate one book per category. Then groups of bloggers get to work. First, a nominating committee reads ALL the titles in a given category. After nearly two arduous months, this committee winnows the nominees to five finalists. A second committee of bloggers considers the shortlist and, after much debate, chooses the best of the best for 2007.

I admit there are some titles that made the shortlist that I have not read. I guess I should get started catching up.

Today's podcast is for one of the shortlist titles. Four Feet, Two Sandals by Williams tells the story of life in a refugee camp in Pakistan.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/williams_four.mp3

Happy New Year!!

Wow. 2008. It just doesn't seem possible. The years tend to go quicker as we get older. But here we are in 2008. And -- surprise -- it's snowing! I can't remember when we've had so much snow. Over 45 inches just in the past few weeks. And another 6 predicted for tonight. I don't know where we are going to put it! Let it snow!!


Today's podcast is for the book Dodger Blue by Aretha. Those that know me know I'm a die-hard Red Sox fan. I have been for over 50 years. Even before they were good! But the new Dodgers have a lot of recycled Red Sox players so I sat down and read this history of the Dodgers. Cool stuff! Enjoy.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/aretha_dodger.mp3

Farewell 2007

New Year's Eve is upon us. As well as another 10 " of snow!! I think we have now broken the record for the snowiest December on record. Another storm is on the way for tomorrow night. I wonder if we will be going back to school on Wednesday or if we'll have yet another snow day!!

At this time of year, we all tend to look back and reflect on the past twelve months. I usually try to pick my favorite reads of the year. But this year I haven't had time for that. I'm so busy working on my upcoming BER seminar that I've done little else. Well, I'm also trying to finish up my book too. I guess I could really use a snow day!!

ALA is just a week away. I am looking forward to it but midwinter tends to be more about meetings than attending great workshops. I have come home on Sunday so I'll miss the awards announcement on Monday morning. I'll be watching the telecast at work though.

I've uploaded a couple of more podcasts. Abeele, Veronique van den. STILL MY GRANDMA is a lovely story about a young child who starts noticing changes in Grandma. When Grandma is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the little girl finds new ways to relate to her beloved grandmother.
http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/abeele_still.mp3

Amado, Elisa. TRICYCLE is an interesting story about a little girl of means who watches while her poor neighbor steals her tricycle. The little girl must decide what to do about it. And how she feels about it.
http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/amado_tricycle.mp3

I wish everyone a very safe, peaceful and happy New Year.

Back on the podcast scene

I can't believe it has been almost 3 weeks since I posted a podcast! That is so unlike me! The holidays have been busy. We've had plenty of snow so had a delightful white Christmas. They are predicting another 4 inches tonight which should make this the snowiest December in history for us. We've already had 2 snow days and 2 delays. That's usually what we get for the whole year. There are only 2 days built into the school calendar so we may be going late this year!

My days off have been busy with lots of projects. I'm finishing up the book I'm writing and hope to have this done by the time I head back to school next week. I'm also working on my upcoming seminar for BER. And the one for Otter Creek. I've also been asked to be a regular contributer to Scholastic's new Book Wizard. Too cool. But way busy, busy, busy.


There has been a lot of talk on the lists about Sherman Alexie's book. I loved it and it is today's podcast.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/alexie_absolutely.mp3

Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays

I've been remiss in my podcasting and my blogging. The holidays are upon us, there is lots and lots of snow and I've been busy getting ready. I did take a quiz about holiday spirit and this may explain why I've been "away" from the computer. I guess I have an overabundance of holiday cheer!!

Your Christmas Sprit Level: 95%

Your Christmas spirit is almost as big as Christmas itself. Christmas is definitely your thing. You celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm. You love every minute of the holidays. Your Christmas spirit is inspiring to everyone who runs into you during the holidays. You make everyone's day just a little bit brighter. And that's what the holidays are all about!

Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!

Ladybug winner announced

It was announced Thursday afternoon on The Center for the Book Blog (http://nhbookcenter.blogspot.com/2007/12/and-winner-is.html) that The Secret Science Project That Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Stephen Gammell  was the winner of the 2007 Ladybug Picture Book Award.  Congratulations Judy and Stephen!!!

The Ladybug Picture Book Award is voted on by children in grades K-3 in New Hampshire.

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Wednesday Wars

Busy day today. Worked with 8th graders on their folktale lesson. The kids were so focused on reading a variety of folktales from around the world. Overheard one girl saying how great it was to be able to just sit and read picture books during class. Another was so excited to find similarities with folktales from the same country. Now we start with researching the countries or origin.

I also got to work with 6th graders on VoiceThread. I gave them minimal instruction -- just had them watch me create a short thread. Then set them loose. They are working on skills for a digital storytelling project. So, no great projects today -- just a chance to play with the site and learn what it can do. So many of them begged to be able to do more at home. You have to like that -- begging for homework!

Today's podcast features one of my very favorite books of 2007. Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt is such a wonderful story. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he was bringing me back to my own childhood.

Life during the 1960s were a bit different than we are used to now. On Wednesday afternoons, while his Catholic and Jewish schoolmates leave school to attend religious classes, Holling Hoodhood, the only Presbyterian in his seventh grade, is alone in the classroom with his teacher, Mrs. Baker. Holling is convinced that Mrs. Baker hates him. After all, if it wasn't for him, Mrs. Baker would have the afternoon to herself. But she is stuck with the only kid with nowhere to go. To fill their Wednesday afternoons, Mrs. Baker has Holling read Shakespearean plays. Much to Holling's surprise, he finds he really likes Shakespeare! And he looks forward to their Wednesday afternoon discussions. But he still thinks Mrs. Baker hates him.

technorati tags:voicethread, folktales, wednesdaywars

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Let it snow!

Yea, snow.  We're supposed to get about 12".  And no school!!!  Love these days. Time to sit back, have a cup of tea, start the fireplace and do up the Christmas cards.  I love this!

Today's podcast is for John LIthgow's book Mahalia Goes to College.  This book is based on a speech Litgow gave during college graduation.  It is a sweet story showing that, with hard work, anyone can achieve their dream.

Lithgow, John.
MAHALIA MOUSE GOES TO COLLEGE
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2007.

Mahalia Mouse is sent out to find food for her family.  They live under a dormitory at Harvard University.  Mahalia accidentally ends up in a classroom and becomes enthralled with the science lecture going on.  Is there anyway that a little mouse can go to school at Harvard University?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/lithgow_mahalia.mp3

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Beach Reads?

I just got back from the grocery store. The lines are really long as everyone tries to stock up on items in anticipation of the nor'easter tonight. I am always amused at the panic the first storm creates. You would think that these people had never seen 12" of snow before. It's like they fear being cut off from civilization over a few flakes of snow. Anyway, I was going down the aisle of "Seasonal Items" expecting to see lots of Christmas stuff -- which I did. I also found a book display stand. Not one to pass up a good book display, I stopped -- and burst out laughing. It was a display for Beach Reads. Guaranteed to withstand sand and surf. Perfect for your day at the beach! Someone at the store must have been cleaning out the store room and thought this would be funny for the first snow storm of the year. I wish I had thought to take a picture of it before I got home! I don't remember all the titles but I do remember that they were all from Penguin!!!

I'm resurrecting my television show -- Kids Book Beat. We've been on hiatis but it is time to start talking about book again. Most of the shows will be done in the old format -- kids sitting around discussing books. But this year we are also going to do some video casting for our school podcast and we are doing booktalks (such a surprise that I would pick that!) We have a ways to go but Tom was good enough to do our first one. These will just be getting better as we go along.

Here's Tom talking about Eldest:







Today's podcast is Levine, Gail Carson. FAIRY HAVEN AND THE QUEST FOR THE WAND

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/levine_fairy.mp3

Snow day!

OK, it's Saturday but I can dream.  I just uploaded the December update of Booktalks Quick and Simple and am watching the news.  Big doings yesterday with a hostage taking at the Clinton headquarters a few towns over.  Took over the whole television schedule for hours.  So, I'm catching up on other news and the weather.  Looks like we are in for our first big snow on Sunday night into Monday.  Looks like our first snow day on Monday!!!  So it's appropriate to feature Laminack's Snow Day on today's podcast!

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/laminack_snow.mp3

Laminack, Lester L.  SNOW DAY!
Atlanta : Peachtree, 2007
IL K-3, RL 1.6
ISBN 1561454184
Wait a minute!  What did the weatherman just say?  Did he say what I think he said?  What I hope he said?  Yes!  Snow is in the air.  I can't wait.  We're sure to have a snow day tomorrow.  No alarms.  No running around getting ready.  Just sipping hot chocolate under the blanket while we watch TV.  Sledding too.  And lots of playing.  I'm sure the weatherman just said snow.

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Harry Potter Personality Quiz

Don't know why I always take these things but I just can't resist.

This test is based on the principles of the Myers-Briggs Personality Typing system. The result of this quiz will tell you not only you personality type but also which major character in Harry Potter has the same personality type.

Not sure what the results mean but here they are:

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

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A day with the techies

Today I spent the day at the Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference.  It is a great conference and I wish I could have spent more than one day attending.  I was on a panel discussing using mp3 audiobooks.  But I did get to attend the keynote speech, Tim Tyson.  I also went to workshops on digital storytelling and using moodle.  And I got to play with an iTouch.  Now I really want one.  Hey, Santa.  Are you listening?

Recent podcasts uploaded:

Cooke, Tim. ANCIENT AZTEC : ARCHAEOLOGY UNLOCKS THE SECRETS OF MEXICO'S
PAST
Washington : National Geographic, 2007
IL 5-8, RL 6.1
ISBN 1426300735
A long time ago, a civilization thrived in Mexico.  They were the Aztecs and had a rich and vibrant culture.  But they disappeared in the 1500s when the Spanish came to Mexico.  If they have been gone for so long, how do we know what they were like?  How do we know what their daily routines were or how they celebrated special days?  These are the things that archaeologists discover.  Find out how they do their job while you learn about the Aztecs.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/cooke_ancient.mp3

Enderle, Judith Ross. SMILE, PRINCIPESSA
New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007
IL K-3, RL 2.6
ISBN 1416910042
Principessa's father loves taking pictures of her.  Every day he takes lots of pictures.  Picture of her laughing, crying, eating, sleeping.  Everything.  When her baby brother is born, Papa takes lots of pictures of him too.  But Principessa doesn't want to share the pictures so she decides she will never smile again and doesn't want her picture taken anymore.  Can anything change her mind?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/enderle_smile.mp3

technorati tags:technology_conference, podcast

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Learning about Connecticut

Over the holidays, many of us travel to other states to visit friends and family.  Why not do a bit of research on the history of the state before you go.  National Geographic has a series of books that tell the history of the states from settlement to the birth of the nation.  Today's podcast showcases the volume on Connecticut.

Burgan, Michael.  CONNECTICUT, 1614-1776
Washington : National Geographic, 2007
IL 5-8, RL 7.7
ISBN 1426300697
OK, you've been assigned a report on a state and you have Connecticut.  Where do you start looking?  You should start here.  Burgan takes you on a journey through the history of Connecticut from the first English settlers through the beginnings of the United States.  Using first person accounts and archival images, there is much to learn about this state.

The podcast can be accessed at:  http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/burgan_connecticut.mp3

technorati tags:podcast, connecticut

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Penguins everywhere

Today's podcast is for a cute non-fiction picture book.

Barner, Bob.  PENGUINS, PENGUINS, EVERYWHERE
New York : Chronicle Books, 2007
IL K-3, RL 3.4
ISBN 081185664X
I love going to the aquarium and seeing the penguins.  They are just so cute.  And they walk so funny.  I love how they tend to stay in groups when the run around and when they dive into the water.  In this book, you'll see lots of activities that penguins enjoy.  And you'll get an introduction to the many different kinds of penguins.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/barner_penguins.mp3

I just read about this interesting way to cook a turkey.  I wonder how long it would take to do a 20 pound bird?

http://www.householdhacker.com/?p=15

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Of podcasts and elves and parties

Today's podcast is for:

Alexander, Elizabeth.  MISS CRANDALL'S SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES & LITTLE MISSES OF COLOR : POEMS

Alexander, Elizabeth.
MISS CRANDALL'S SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES & LITTLE
MISSES OF COLOR : POEMS
New York : Wordsong, 2007
IL 5-8, RL 6.7
ISBN 1590784561
Back in the 1800s, African Americans had few opportunities for education.  But one courageous woman defied the bigotry of the times and created a haven for young African American women.  Prudence Crandall opened her boarding school in 1833 with 20 students from many states who traveled to Connecticut hoping to find a better life.  Many of her students were freed slaves.  It was not easy for these girls.  They faced racism and the separation from their parents.  And the townspeople made it clear they didn't want them there.  The shopkeepers refused to sell them provisions.  The doctor refused treatment for the girls.  And people pelted the school with rocks, eggs and insults.  A year after the school opened, Miss Crandall was forced to close it down.  This is the story of Miss Crandall's
School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color.

Today we had a fun day at our annual family reunion.  Lots of aunts and cousins I only see once a year.  But these are the times to catch up on everyone's life and enjoy being part of a large Irish family.  Not too many liittle ones today.  My grandsons were two of the few.  My 4 year old grandson played musical chairs with the older kids.  They were great about letting him keep getting a seat.  But when the time came that he was out, it didn't even phase him.  He just went and got one of the chairs that had been taken away and had his own game!  Too cute.

This morning while I was baking for the party, we played with a cool web site called Elf Yourself.  It does just that.  Give it a try.  http://www.elfyourself.com We spent way too much time fooling around with it and laughing hysterically.  If you want to check out Mimi and her boys, http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9590634839   I ended up having two Aiden's just because it was funnier that way.

technorati tags:podcast, elfyourself, parties

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