Goodbye Mr. Bradbury

Dear Mr. Ray Bradbury,

I hope that you knew how you affected not just a generation, not just a country, but rather your reach spread globally. You made us think, ponder, and more importantly discuss ideas what had never really occurred to us before. You words were provocative but never trite. I don't really think that there is anyone who won't be touched by what you have wrote.

Today we celebrate your life and body of work, even as we mourn your passing. Thanks for the books.

Sincerely,
Anna

Ray Bradbury passed away this morning in Los Angeles. I really like this article about Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, and libraries.

News: The Maurice Sendak addition

Maurice Sendak remembered.  From PW.

Kid lit world remembers.  From SLJ.

Authors recall Maruice Sendak.  From The Washington Post.

More authors recall Maurice Sendak.  From SLJ.

Maurice Sendak on children's books.  From the Times' archive.

Kate DiCamillo on Maurice Sendak.  From CNN.

Neil Gaiman on Maurice Sendak.


William Joyce on Maurice Sendak.  From The Daily Beast.

Jules Feiffer on Maurice Sendak.  From The Hollywood Reporter

Art Spiegleman draws his time with Maurice Sendak.

Alec Baldwin on Maurice Sendak.  From The Huffington Post

Maurice Sendak, in memory

Maurice Sendak, amazing children's book author, died this morning.  He will be greatly missed.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 1
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 2
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

Brian Jacques 1939-2011

I have liked Brian Jacques' Redwall series for about fifteen years now. As a librarian, I respected the fact that he was an author that believed that kids are intelligent and could handle dark plot lines. I was able to hear him speak a few years ago and he was so engaging and delightful and British, exactly how I wanted him to be.

I'm sad to say that he died Saturday, suddenly after having emergency surgery. He was only 71. All I can do is think on a passage from the first book I read of his:

"I have seen it all before, many times, and yet I never cease to wonder. Life is good, my friends. I leave it to you. Do not be sad, for mine is a peaceful rest."
- Abbott Mortimer from Redwall by Brian Jacques