Well, I started my radio series with Hope Vestergaard, author of Potty Animals and we had a lot of fun laughing at our very sophisticated potty humor jokes.
But I hope you’ll call in today at 4pm EDT (call in number is (347) 857-4428) when we take a sharp turn and talk about death. Today on the show I will have New York Times Bestsellng author of The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn. Her 2009 book, Chester Raccoon and the Acorn of Memories is about a “kid” whose friend has died from an accident. We’ll also speak to Brenda Ferber, author of Julia’s Kitchen, which won the Sydney Taylor award when it came out. My third guest will be child psychologist Dr. Paul Donahue, author of Parenting Without Fear . He will join us to discuss ways we can help the kids in our lives when they have to face the death of someone close to them.
Bird Bytes, our regular feature by SLJ blogger and NY Public librarian Betsy Bird will be a review of Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve.
Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (347) 857-4428. The live, internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://www.BrainBurpsAboutBooks.com where it will start automatically at 4pm EDT.
On another note, I’ve spoken to bookseller extraordinaire Lori Fazio at the fabulous RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, Ct., and asked her if my listeners could call the store to order personalized and signed books by Candace Bushnell, who will be there this Friday, May 14, 2010. It’s just like any book you’d order over the internet but you get them SIGNED AND PERSONALIZED! Think: gifts! Think: WOW FACTOR.
Here is the store’s contact info (call before Friday!)
203.245.3959 | 800.74.READS
or email them.
Here is the Candace Bushnell blurb from RJ’s site:
Ever wonder what Carrie Bradshaw was like before she met Samantha Jones and became the legendary fashionista of “Sex in the City?” Candace Bushnell’s The Carrie Diaries is the coming of age story of one of the most iconic characters of this generation. Join us as we dish with the creator of our favorite gal pals. Tickets for this event are $5.00, which may be used toward the purchase of the book.
Tidy Books
May 11, 2010 - 3:28 am ·As a young widower, I should really be paying more attention to the potential help out there to assist my son in his growing grief. He was only 7 months old when his wonderful mother died, so his grief has been somewhat delayed. I have relied on my own, honest, yet delicate approach to this point.
Katie Davis
May 11, 2010 - 5:21 am ·Tidy Books, I'm so sorry for your, as well as your son's loss. I thought the doctor on the show had a lot of good suggestions to help kids like your son. You sound like a very caring dad – he's lucky to have you.
Ellen Reagan
May 11, 2010 - 9:32 am ·Just tuned in a day late (finally home again after 10 days away). Great discussion, Katie and Brenda. I think books like yours have a post-tragedy purpose, too, Brenda.
Like Dr. Donahue said, maybe not immediately, but after a bit of distance, books that reflect or parallel kids' experiences can help them process it. That's not bibliotherapy.
It's a companion on a painful journey. I think we all read hoping to find ourselves, or our situation, mirrored in the pages of a book. It makes us feel less alone. And that's why JULIA'S KITCHEN is so necessary and valuable. Congratulations on the Crown Award. I never knew about that!
Terrific shows, Katie. Keep up the good work!
Ellen Reagan