Monthly Archives: March 2009

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Classics Illustrated

March 25, 2009 1:21 pm ,

On the 25th September 2008 the Classics Illustrated line of graphic novels were relaunched in the UK by Jeff Brooks of the Classic Comic Store. Originally launched in the 1940’s Classics Illustrated have not been published in the UK since 1970.

All the original artwork has been re-coloured with digitally enhanced covers and the series will be available in WH Smiths, Borders and other leading retailers throughout the UK. They will also be in stores in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Republic of Ireland. Published monthly, the first issues will be The War of the Worlds and Snow White followed by Oliver Twist and The Ugly Duckling in October.

These abridged texts are ideal to introduce reluctant readers to classic literature without putting them off due to the length or density of the original texts.

The books include a one-page biography of the authors as well as suggested themes and topics for post-reading discussion.

Each of the books ends with the text: Now that you have read the Classics Illustrated edition, don’t miss the added enjoyment of reading the original, obtainable at your school or public library.

War of the Worlds

Posted in: Books, Graphic Novels

Great Expectations

March 25, 2009 11:59 am ,

Classical Comics is releasing their second title by Charles Dickens – Great Expectations. As with most of their books it is available in two versions:

Original Text: The classic novel brought to life in full colour. The original text is set within a graphic novel format using as much of the text and dialogue as possible given the space allowed.

Quick Text: The full story in quick, modern English for a fast-paced read. This uses the same artwork as the Original Text version, but with fewer and simpler words to allow reluctant, younger and/or emerging readers to enjoy the book.

I am a fan of the books produced by Classical Comics, their graphic novels do not look out of place on the graphic novel display shelves in my library. The original and quick text versions are both incredibly popular with students, people looking to improve their level of English and people who generally enjoy graphic novels.

Posted in: Books, Graphic Novels, News , Tagged:

Oxford Scientific Films seeking Young British Campaigners

March 22, 2009 12:15 am ,

Oxford Scientific Films creators of Meerkat Manor and The Forbidden Fruit are looking for Teen Campaigners for a new TV series.

They have asked me to post this request:

CALLING ALL YOUNG BRITISH CAMPAIGNERS OR ACTIVISTS FOR A NEW TV SERIES

Do you spend all your time campaigning?

Have you ever been involved in a protest?

Are you doing something eye-catching to fight for a cause?

I’m looking for exceptional people who are actively campaigning and totally committed to the cause; this could be anything from environmental issues to animal rights, world poverty, human rights, or nuclear testing. I’m keen to find unique people who will be involved in lots of exciting actions this year. I would love to hear from anyone who thinks they fit this description.

My name is Anna Williams and I work for Oxford Scientific Films – a documentary production company in
London. You can reach me on email awilliams@oxfordscientificfilms.tv

If you are under 18, please make sure you obtain permission from your parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) prior to making contact.

Posted in: News

YLG AGM @ Scholastic 19/03/2009

March 21, 2009 11:48 pm ,

On Thursday I attended the Youth Library Group London AGM, which was a relatively quick affair with Karen Robinson taking the reins as YLG:London Chair for 2009/10.

Scholastic provided a room for the AGM and afterwards all members of YLG were invited to attend an incredibly enjoyable informal discussion (with wine and snacks) between Damian Kelleher and authors Rachel Ward, Josh Lacey, M.G. Harris and Sharon Dogar. They discussed their new and forthcoming books as well as what inspired their creation. We were also treated to a brief reading from each of the authors.

After the Q&A session the authors mingled with the Librarians and signed books and chatted about writing and Libraries until the end of the evening.

From teenlib

Rachel Ward + Numbers, Josh Lacey + Bearkeeper, MG Harris + Ice Shock, Sharon Dogar + Falling

Posted in: Authors, News

Teen Librarian Monthly: March 2009

March 18, 2009 11:18 am ,

The March edition of TLM is available to download here

You can also get it delivered to your inbox on a monthly basis free of charge by subscribing – full details at the end of every TLM.

Posted in: Authors

New online competition for young writers

March 2, 2009 11:54 am ,

247tales.com is a brand new online writing competition from Bloomsbury that challenges young writers to create stories using 247 words or less.

Each month a different Bloomsbury author will pen a 247tale on a certain theme. It is then over to the UK’s budding young writers aged between 8 and 16 to create their miniature masterpiece.

One winner will be chosen each month and they will have their 247tale featured on the website as well as winning a selection of books. Ten runners-up will get a signed copy of the latest book from that month’s featured author, as well as links to their stories which will appear in 247Library section of the website.

The competition launches at 2:47pm on World Book Day (Thursday 5th of March) with a 247tale from debut author Elen Caldecotton the theme of When I Grow Up Rules and details of how to enter are all on the site – www.247tales.com*

Other authors taking part include Kaye Umansky, Gemma Malley, Mark Walden, Chris Priestley and Iam Beck.

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* The site will go live on the 5th March

Posted in: Teen Librarian Monthly, Uncategorized