Wednesday, April 2, 2008

This Day in History: April 2

I'm spending more time learning about history lately. (Having a young boy interested in non-fiction certainly helps!) Researching today's date, April 2nd, I discovered that there are three events which tie in with several Kane/Miller books.

April 2, 1513: Ponce de Leon discovers Florida

What does this have to do with our books? Ponce de Leon was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he landed on the coast of Florida. He claimed the land for Spain, and Kane/Miller claims these books from Spain:


Brush

Written by Pere Calders
Illustrated by Carme Sole Vendrell


Marc Just Couldn't Sleep
Written by Gabriela Keselman
Illustrated by Noemi Villamuza


Sebastian's Roller Skates

Written by Joan de Deu Prats
Illustrated by Francesc Rovira


What's Going On?

Written by Elena O'Callaghan
Illustrated by Africa Fanlo

April 2, 1805: Hans Christian Andersen is born
Hans Christian Andersen, one of the world's greatest storytellers, is born in Odensk, near Copenhagen.

Every other year IBBY presents the Hans Christian Andersen Awards to a living author and illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children's literature.

This award is the highest international recognition given to an author and an illustrator of children's books. Even being nominated is a prestigious honor, as only one author and illustrator are selected per country.

Ana Maria Machado, of Brazil, won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 2000 and Robert Ingpen, of Australia won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration in 1986. Other Kane/Miller nominated authors/illustrators include Lila Prap (Slovenia), Jutta Bauer (Germany), and Tony Ross (England).


Nina Bonita

Written by Ana Maria Machado
Illustrated by Rosana Faria


Ziba Came on a Boat

Written by Liz Lofthouse
Illustrated by Robert Ingpen


1001 Stories



Why?

by Lila Prap


Selma

by Jutta Bauer


The Little Princess series
by Tony Ross

April 2, 1941: Life of Riley radio show debuts
Many people wonder where the saying, "Living the life of Riley," came from. Some say it stems from the title of this famous radio show that was on the air for ten years. Others say it goes back much, much further.

We say, "Release Your Inner Riley," will be a common phrase once the current generation gets their hands on Colin Thompson and Amy Lissiat's picture book, featuring the famous rat.

From Australia

The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley
by Colin Thompson & Amy Lissiat

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