Just One More Book!!

Last week, in part one of a two-part series, I spoke with Jason Wells, Director of Marketing and Publicity for Harry N. Abrams Inc. about the role and career path of the publicist, the high turnover rate in the industry and the evolution of book marketing and publicity in the digital age.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, part 2 of my conversation with Jason Wells. This time, we talk about digital marketing and publicity and the future of children’s books in the age of MySpace, Facebook, blogs and podcasts.

 

 Interview with Jason Wells (part 2 of 2) [14:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Henrik Drescher
Illustrator: Henrik Drescher
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763633860

A veneer of feigned pleasantries can’t conceal the ceaseless, senseless competition that corrupts then consumes former friends in this deliciously absurd yet apt demonstration of misguided attention and life misspent.

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

 

 Emulating Spaces: McFig & McFly (A Tale of Jealousy, Revenge, and Death -- with a Happy Ending): Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It takes a team — an author, illustrator, editor and publisher to name a few — to publish a children’s book. There’s still the matter of getting the word out.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, Mark speaks with Jason Wells, Director of Marketing and Publicity for Harry N. Abrams Inc. in the first of a two-part series. In this part, Mark and Jason speak about the role and career path of the publicist, the high turnover rate in the industry and the evolution of book marketing and publicity in the digital age.

In part two of this series (due out on May 12), Mark and Jason speak about digital marketing and publicity in the age of MySpace, Facebook, blogs and podcasts.

 

 Interview with Jason Wells (part 1 of 2) [14:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Toni Buzzeo
Illustrator: Sachiko Yoshikawa
Published: 2007 Upstart Books
ISBN: 1602130191

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Arm-waving exuberance and ear-to-ear grins explode from every page of this energizing literary extravaganza.

Other books mentioned:

• Our Librarian Won’t Tell Us Anything
• “R” is for Research

 

 Reading Frenzy: Fire Up With Reading! [9:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Anna McQuinn
Illustrator: Anna McQuinn and Ben Frey
Published: 2008 Annick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1554511224

Beaming boyhood bliss pops from zesty action-packed photography-and-paint collage as a spunky seven year old proudly presents the shared adventures and intriguing details of life with his very best bud, Jamal — who happens to be Somali.

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

 

 Superheroes, Sabayad and SUVs: My Friend Jamal [6:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Children’s books are a phenomenal way to share the remarkable stories of real people. It makes you wonder how generations before us managed to enjoy stories exlusively through the oral tradition, without the combined talents of storytellers and artists.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, Mark speaks with author Kyra Hicks about magazine articles inspiring books, emphasizing the positive to move a story forward and how Kyra herself has become passionate about the subject of her book.

Relevant links

• Kyra Hicks’ blog
• Liz Burns’ review of Martha Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria
• Lee Edward Fodi

 

 Interview with Kyra Hicks [12:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This listener submitted review comes from Kevin Hodgson of Kevin’s Meandering Mind blog. This is Kevin’s fourth review for our show (keep them coming!), and this time he reviews The Three Pigs by David Wiesner.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Send your MP3 recorded or type-written review in email to justonemorebook@gmail.com, or phone it in to our listener feedback line (206-350-6487).

 

 Listener Submitted Reviews #20 [5:33m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Amy Huntington
Published: 2007 Mitten Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1587264749

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Familiar schoolyard dynamics, effective body language and detailed personal narrative relay a story of friendship fumbled and then found, reminding us that despite any biological logic behind our urge to jump to the least desirable conclusion, we’re usually happiest when we don’t.

 

 Seek First To Understand: No English [5:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Tracey Fern
Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Published: 2008 Clarion (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0618723412

A feisty, self-aware pioneer woman, the man who knows and loves her and the coddling of a cabin full of beautiful baby bison — what more could a pet-deprived young reader ask for?

Based on the true story of Mary Ann Goodnight’s determination to save the Texas buffalo and told with humour and a Texan twang, this is an inspiring story of hard work and simpler times.

You can read more about Mary Ann and Charles Goodnight here and here.

Wow! Wow! Wow! How did I miss this? Lauren Castillo was the featured illustrator on the fabulous Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast last week. Check out the great spread here.

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

 

 Oh, Give Me A Home: Buffalo Music [7:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Mary Ann Rodman
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis (on JOMB)
Published: 2005 Puffin (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0142408069

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

Sunshine bounces from dancing water on every page of this gorgeously captured exploration of poolside politics and the prevalent pain of unrequited attentions.

 

 Sun, Snubs and Striving: My Best Friend [6:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Writing a great story is about knowing the role you’re taking on as the author, the audience you’re trying to reach and the media you’re using.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, Mark speaks with Lizann Flatt, former editor of the Canadian children’s magazine chickaDEE and the author of four children’s books, about her interest in non-fiction, the difference between stories in magazines and picture books, and balancing being an author of one format and an editor of another.

Books mentioned:

• Let’s Go: The Story of Getting from There to Here
• The Nature Treasury: A First Look at the Natural World
• Backgammon for Kids
• India (Facts About Countries)

Photo of Lizann Flatt from Lizann’s blog, The Flatt Perspective

 

 Interview with Lizann Flatt [14:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Author: Elisa Kleven (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Elisa Kleven
Published: 1997 Tricycle Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1582462062

Chapters.ca Amazon.com

This wonderfully cluttered and sweetly retro story of a sibling’s soft struggle for individuality is a heartening celebration of creativity, character and acceptance.

More sibling dynamics on JOMB:

• A Very Unusual Dog
• Chloë’s Birthday. . . and Me
• Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big
• Max’s Words
• Oh No, Not Ghosts
• Oliver Has Something to Say!
• Scribble
• Suki’s Kimono
• Up
• Zelda and Ivy

 

 Different Strokes: The Puddle Pail [ 6:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download