Most overused word in blogs

If I read the annoying, too trendy, trying-to-sound-clever word snarky in one more blog description or profile I'm going to vomit. When did this become the 'it' word with so many bloggers? I don't know how many times I've seen it in the last month or so while I've been checking out existing blogs. I for one refuse to use it here. I encourage you to do the same.

Webkinz are taking over the world

My kids received Webkinz for Christmas and the whole family, even my husband, is now addicted to playing with them in their virtual homes on the Web. I like to feed them and take them to the doctor. My husband likes playing the games and my son enjoys spending his hard earned kinzcash buying furniture for his monkey's bedroom.

I know we're not the only ones because I see young girls and boys doing the exact same thing on each of our internet computers at my library. These little, furry, beany-baby type animals are invading and I know it won't be long before they're popping up in McDonald's Happy Meals. Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm just trying to figure out how to harness this mania into a program for my library. Any ideas?

Inkheart the Movie

I only read Cornelia Funke's Inkheart because a book group made up of school and public librarians decided to read it last February. I'm glad I was forced to read it because fantasy is not usually my genre of choice. I did enjoy it and am thrilled to see that a movie is in the works as I write. Most importantly - I'd like to let everyone know how thrilled I am with the choice of Paul Bettany as Dustfinger, the fire-eater. I can't wait to see it. He's a perfect choice.

Happy New Year & My Favorite J Books of 2006

This year I resolve to read more J fiction. I tried this year, honestly. I just happened to find more interesting YA titles. In fact, I haven't read one J book that I feel very strongly about to win the Newbery Medal. I read many titles that I liked, but none that gave me that 'special' Newbery vibe. You know what I'm talking about. I'll be looking forward to the announcement on January 22nd. While we're all waiting these are my favorites of 2006 in no particular order:

Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata
(I was sure that Kira-Kira was a Newbery winner the minute I finished it, no one in my department believed me. Ha!)

Monkey Town: the Summer of the Scopes Trial by Ronald Kidd

Shug by Jenny Han

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Probably more YA than J but I Really liked it)

The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

And finally my award for most intriguing cover for a book that I haven't read but hope to start reading soon ....

A Drowned Maiden's Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz