Happy Birthday Mark Twain!

Omigosh! We just realized that Mark Twain bears an uncanny resemblance to Jed Clampett!
All he needs is an old hat and a rope belt. Who knew?

Here are some of our favorite quotes from the Ever Quotable Mark Twain:

Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place.

I have been through some terrible things in life, some of which actually happened.

I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him.

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then He made school boards.

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.
Familiarity breeds contempt--and children.

In the Coop with Aaron Reynolds and Neil Numberman!

We found Aaron Reynolds and Neil Numberman buzzing around a manure pile and thought we should ask them some questions. Aaron is a human, not a bug, but he often writes about bugs. He is the author of Chicks and Salsa (one of our all time favorite chick books!), Superhero School, Buffalo Wings, and, of course, the Joey Fly, Private Eye graphic novels. Visit him at his website at http://aaron-reynolds.com/.

Neil Numberman is a termite currently residing in New York City. Joey Fly, Private Eye is his first graphic novel, but he is also the author/illustrator of Do NOT Build a Frankenstein. Stop by his website at http://www.neilnumberman.com/.

Aaron and Neil have graciously agreed to hang around the coop all day, so if you have a question, swat--er, ask--away!

First act as Dictator for Life?

Aaron: Mandatory Friday night Fondue night!

Neil: Build Super Mario’s World!

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?

Aaron: Draco Malfoy. So obnoxious…trying to kill Dumbledore like that…that’s not right!

Neil: In keeping with the Harry Potter theme (because those characters are so well written) Dolores Umbridge! Man, I hated her!

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?

Aaron: James from James and the Giant Peach. But in exchange, we dip the grasshopper in chocolate.

Neil: Waldo! But first I gotta find him!

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?

Aaron: Bert and Ernie. Bath toys, fuzzy jammies, insects for pets, and no parents? Count me in!

Neil: Meerkat Manor!

Worst job in the universe?

Aaron: Deveining shrimp. That’s poop, you know, not a “vein”!

Neil: Mr. Universe judge

Dream job for a day?

Aaron: Video game tester.

Neil: Jet-pack-wearing-water-balloon-tester

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?

Aaron: Hate them both. Annoying. Submits Spongebob as third alternative.

Neil: Yeah, I’ll take Spongebob too! Not too familiar with the Marx, but no love for the Three Stooges

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.

Aaron: A wardrobe malfunction takes them both out: Circus tiger mistakes mime’s stripes for a zebra lunch and clown is so busy laughing he swallows red rubber nose. Is that wrong?

Neil: Winner: Nobody

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?

Aaron: Benjamin Franklin. He invents libraries, bifocals, and daylight savings time, all while rocking a mullet? Seemed like a pretty funny guy to me.

Neil: Jim Henson!

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)

Aaron: No comment, lest it incriminate a book I’ve written or will someday write.

Neil: Kindle

It's National American Teddy Bear Day!

Awww. We love this holiday! It makes us want to throw a tea party with invisible toast and a cup full of Chardonnay. In fact, there is a certain Silly Chick with brown hair and a book about pirate bunnies who still enjoys doing this with her childhood bear, Albert. As it turns out, Albert prefers Pinot Noir.

We are also very fond of a good teddy bear book, like our dearly beloved Winnie-The-Pooh. Tell us about your favorite teddy bear book!

Flawed Dogs

Flawed Dogs: The Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster
by Berkeley Breathed
Philomel
ISBN 0399252185


What is it?

A wild and crazy journey with a pup named Sam, who just happens to sport the ever elusive Duuglitz Tuft on top of his noggin.

What do we love about it?

How it made us laugh and cry at the exact same time, which isn't easy and requires lots of Kleenex.

What does it remind us of?

Other "journey" type books, like The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Incredible Journey, and A Dog's Life: Autobiography of a Stray but with a heavy dose of Hannah Barbara tossed in for laughs.

What is it perfect for?

Read it before The Westminster Dog Show in February.

What do we think?

We give it four snausages! Sure to be a favorite with underdog lovers and just plain anyone who loves a gassy dog.

I'm a Turkey

I'm a Turkey!
by Jim Arnosky

Scholastic
ISBN: 9780439903646

What is it?
A picture book about our nation's favorite dinner...oops, we mean our nation's favorite bird, of course...by folk singer and naturalist Jim Arnosky.

What do we love about it?
In addition to learning about how turkeys live in the wild, young readers will have fun peeping, squawking, squabbling and talking turkey throughout the book. Or download the song here for a turkey-talking singalong!

What does it remind us of?
Dinner. (We cannot tell a lie.)

What is it perfect for?
A fun Thanksgiving read aloud, but it would also work any time of year since there is no specific reference to the holiday.

What do we say about it?
This one's a fowl favorite! Two feathers up!

We Love Lucy!

It was on this day in 1951 that the very first I Love Lucy episode was aired, and boy, are we ever grateful. Who could forget that scene in the candy factory? Or the one with her stomping grapes in Italy? And was it just us, or did you, too, have a crush on Ricky Ricardo? Hubba hubba!

Let's all eat chocolate bon-bons, drink Vitameatavegamin, and sing Babalu at the top of our lungs to celebrate!

"How I Love Lucy was born? We decided that instead of divorce lawyers profiting from our mistakes, we'd profit from them." --Lucille Ball

In the Coop with Mac Barnett

Three Silly Things About Mac Barnett:

1. He reads to sheep. We like this.

2. He often wears a cap that reminds us of one of our favorite books, Caps for Sale.

3. He is ticklish. Go ahead, tickle him. And then go check out his fantastically silly books.

The Interview:

First act as Dictator for Life? Dictator for Life means years and years for baroquely selfish decrees. So I'd probably start off by ordering a nice sandwich. It's hard to have an iron fist on an empty stomach.

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?
In the interest of diplomacy, I'm keeping away from literature and axing Scrappy Doo.

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?
Papa Snap. He seems like he'd be into Twinkies.

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?
I wouldn't mind being Maxwell Smart's son.

Worst job in the universe?
In the whole universe? I'd answer this question if it hadn't blown my mind.

Dream job for a day?
My dreams rarely involve jobs.

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?

I feel bad for the Three Stooges. I've just perused a random sample of this blog's interviews: Everybody picks the Marx Bros. How smart! Well, my mom taught me to love an underdog, so I'm going to swoop in like King Moonracer and take the Stooges to an island, where we will all laugh and laugh. Even Shemp.

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.
See, here's the thing. When the Deathmatch is over--and now the lights are on and the crowd is gone and some teenager is wiping down the arena's plastic seats--the victor, still sitting, stunned, in a corner of the Battle Cage, will realize what "winning" really means. It doesn't matter whether you're a clown or a mime: Nobody wins in a Deathmatch.

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?
Whoever lost that Deathmatch.

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)
Hollow out a hole in the middle of it and store your secrets inside.

More info about Mac:
MacBarnett.Com
Interview with Mac at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

The Messiest Desk

The Messiest Desk
A Three Silly Chick's Pick
Written and illustrated by Marty Kelley
Zino Press
ISBN: 978-1-55933-319-1

What is it?

An adventure story of sorts about a boy named Benjamin Putt who gets sucked into his very messy desk.

What do we love about it?

Oh geez, let's see, could it be the moldy, dripping, rotten fruit? The twelve gooey wads of chewed up gum? The...underwear? We think kids will howl with laughter when they hear the list of gunky, gooey, icky, ooey stuff that's in this desk. And, well, there is also a burp. Could it be any more kid friendly?

What does it remind us of?

Our own desks.

What is it perfect for?

A rowdy, gross-out story time! The rhyme makes it extra fun to read aloud.

What do we think?

Read this with Kelly DiPucchio's Mrs. McBloom, Clean Up Your Classroom! and our very own Carolyn's Boris and Bella (featuring a messy monster named Bella Legrossi) and then go mess something up!

Sticky Burr, The Prickly Peril

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Sticky Burr, the Prickly Peril

by John Lechner
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4580-9

Sticky Burr's website!

What is it?

A graphic novel about burrs. You heard us. And no, we're not talking about the Aaron or Raymond kind. We're talking about the kind that sticks to your socks when you walk through a field. They are actually quite fascinating things, burrs. Evidently, they live in villages and some can even play the ukele and paint.

This is the sequel to the previously published STICKY BURR, ADVENTURES IN BURRWOOD FOREST.

What do we love about it?

This is a book that shows the truth about nature. We've long suspected that beetles were natures henchmen. Now we know! We love the asides and informative (or perhaps mis-informative) sidebars.

What does it remind us of?

It reminds us of the many, MANY long hours we have spent plucking burrs from our feathers after going on hikes. But we still like this book.

What is it perfect for?

This book is perfect for young readers who love graphic novels, bugs, nature, non-fiction (which this is NOT) and humor.

What do we think?

The Sticky Burr books are a great diversion for 6-8 year olds looking for a little fun.

Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant

by Leslie McGuirk
and Alex von Bidder

Candlewick press
ISBN: 9780763640149

What is it?
A funny guide to good manners co-authored by the co-owner (Alex von Bidder) of the famous Four Seasons restaurant in New York City. Wiggens, a fictional chocolate Labrador puppy who is a "total rascal" in the manners department, stars in this playful picture book.

What do we love about it?
The great Chi-waa-waa, spiritual advisor to Wiggens' parents, and Saint Bernard, the Emily Post-like guru who teaches young pups how to behave at the Four Seasons, won our dog-loving hearts. We also loved the thought bubbles above the puppies-in-training as they nervously surveyed the weird foods served (sea urchin, escargot, frog legs, oh my!).

What does it remind us of?
It reminds us that we are very hungry. Also, that we have never been invited to the Four Seasons restaurant even though our manners are im-peck-able!

What is it perfect for?
Wayward puppies and obedience school drop-outs. Also, parents with kids who could use some fun lessons in restaurant manners.

What do we say about it?
This is the perfect book for dog-loving gourmands. Also, anyone know where can we get a flying carpet with an outboard motor like the great Chi-waa-waa's?

Jamie Allen, come on down!!

Jamie Allen, you are a Hallowinner!

Jamie posted her favorite villain over on our Facebook page. And gosh, we wholeheartedly agree that Ursula from The Little Mermaid is pretty darn great. Who wouldn't want lovely lavender skin? And just think how many candied apples you could eat with all those tentacles! It boggles the mind and stomach!

So Jamie, please email us your address so we can send you your prizes! Congrats, ghoulfriend!

Good Little Wolf

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Good Little Wolf

by Kristina Andres

North South
ISBN: 9780735822108

What is it?
A sweet little picture book about a sweet little wolf who sometimes likes to pretend he's big and bad!

What do we love about it?
How nicely the little wolf treats his adorable companions: a giraffe, bunny, sheep and bear who look like small stuffed animals.

What does it remind us of?
Where the Wild Things Are. Sometimes it's fun to pretend you're a monster!

What is it perfect for?
To remind ourselves that it's okay to pretend we're bad guys when we're playing, as long as we're good guys in real life!

What do we say about it?
Read Good Little Wolf to the imaginative preschooler in your life and expect some fun and games to follow!

In the Coop with Tammi Sauer

Three Reasons We Love Tammi Sauer:

1. Feast your eyes on this author photo, peeps!

2. She wrote a rockin' bawkin' book called Chicken Dance, awesomely illustrated by Dan Santat!

3. She and Dan offer dance lessons on their website! Really! Now you can dance the Librarian and the Bellyache like a pro!

The Interview:

First act as Dictator for Life?
Claim Tim Gunn for my very own.

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?
Walter the Farting Dog...no explanation necessary.

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?
Ramona Quimby…that girl made me a reader.

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?

I’ve always wanted to go to Eastland with Trudy, Blaire, Natalie, and Jo. Perhaps Mrs. Garrett could adopt me. Bonuses: Blaire could teach me how to do my hair, and Jo could show me how to ride a motorcycle.

Worst job in the universe?
Dead pig pusher. A writer friend of mine once held this title. Rumor has it the position involved a conveyor belt and a meat-packing plant.

Dream job for a day?
A ritzy spa tester-outer.

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?

The Marx Brothers get my vote based on this quote alone: “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.”—Groucho Marx

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.
I gotta go with mime. Clowns have always freaked me out.

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?
In my experience, all dead people are un-funny. They just kinda lie there.

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)

Impromptu rain gear or snow shoes, depending on the season.

More info about Tammi:

Tammi's website

Interview with Tara Lazar at Writing for Kids (while Raising Them)

Interview with S. R. Johannes at Market My Words

Interview with Sterling Children’s Books

More Villains, Please!

We love hearing about your favorite villains for our Halloween Contest! (Kelly, we actually agree with your first vote--hee hee.) We want to hear more! Remember, peeps, you can win three books! THREE! All you need to do is tell us your favorite villain. And hey, it's okay if it's already been mentioned. Great minds and blah blah blah, don't ya know.

Points will be given for people who think outside the villain box to include their sixth grade nemesis, mother-in-law or cranky neighbor. We'll never tell!

It's Dictionary Day!

Noah Webster was born on this day in 1758. Oh, Noah, how we love you! So brilliant, so bold, so OCD. Imagine his poor wife's reaction when Noah announced that he wanted to list and define every single word. She probably shook her head and said, "Noah, hun, I love ya, but that's nuts."

In honor of Dictionary Day, make up a new word and post it here! Or perhaps you are feeling a wee bit bromidic? Then hey, just do a crossword puzzle.

Monkey with a Toolbelt and a Noisy Problem

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Monkey with a Toolbelt & a Noisy Problem
by Chris Monroe
Carolrohda Books
ISBN: 978-0822592471

What is it?
The further adventures of our favorite handyman monkey. Or is that Handy Monkey? We've always thought having a monkey around would be handy! When Chico Bon Bon hears a strange sound in his house, he sets out to investigate. When he finally finds the source of the noise, he jumps into action with the tools at his disposal (or in his belt as the case may be). And that is saying something!

What do we love about it?
First, we love saying Chico Bon Bon. It usually makes us dance around the house. Of course, we love any monkey who has a plug wrench, a lug wrench AND a pug wrench. (And knows how to use them!)

What does it remind us of?
It reminds us of one of our VERY favorite funny books ever: MONKEY IN A TOOLBELT!

What it's perfect for?
Anyone who knows the difference between their needle nose pliers and their nose. And anyone who doesn't. This book is just plain fun.


What do we think?
We can't wait to see what our favorite handymonkey does next. We LOVE Chico Bon Bon!

Superhero School

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Superhero School

by Aaron Reynolds
Illustrated by Andy Rash

Bloomsbury USA
ISBN: 9781599901664

What is it?
A picture book about Leonard, a young superhero who's forced to learn math at Superhero School much to his annoyance.

What do we love about it?
The Blue Tornado, math teacher extraordinaire, who has a few "tricks" up his sleeve to convince his young proteges why multiplication, division and fractions are important!

What does it remind us of?
Schoolhouse Rock in a book. (Remember Three is a Magic Number? We often sing this song in the coop.)

What is it perfect for?
Anyone who has ever sweat through the times tables and wondered why.

What do we say about it?
Math never looked so heroic (or fun)!

Contest Alert! Contest Alert!

Calling all Halloweenies! Would you like to win three new Chick Halloween books? It's easy peasy peeps! All you have to do is tell us who your favorite villain is and then we'll pick a name out of our big witch's hat!

As for us, well, we're partial to Cruella DeVille. Seriously, the woman has enough style to make Anna Wintour jealous. And that hair! Do you suppose she uses Clairol to get that look?

We'll choose a Hallowinner at random by next Monday. The lucky person will receive Andrea's Hush, Baby Ghostling and Carolyn's Where's My Mummy? and Boris and Bella.

What fiendish fun! Good luck!

Poodle and Hound

A Three Silly Chicks' Pick

Poodle and Hound

by Kathryn Lasky
Illustrated by Mitch Vane

Charlesbridge
ISBN: 9781580893220

What is it?
An early chapter book featuring two unlikely canine companions whose frustrations with each other never eclipse their friendship.

What do we love about it?
Poodle's fabulous joie de vivre and Hound's earthy sensibility.

What does it remind us of?
The Odd Couple, only furrier and cuter.

What is it perfect for?
Early readers who are eager to try a chapter book but still enjoy fun illustrations on every page.

What do we say about it?
To quote Hound: "Nothing is ever wasted on a friend." Share Poodle and Hound with your favorite pooch-loving friends!

In the Coop with Emily Ecton

Three Reasons We Love Emily Ecton:

1. Just look at her. Is she not adorable? Is her dog Binky not adorable? Can you blame us?

2. She writes books about stylish chihuahuas, undead hamsters, and vengeful lawn ornaments.

3. She is a writer and producer for NPR's hilarious quiz show Wait...Wait, Don't Tell Me!

The Interview:

First act as Dictator for Life?
Silly books for everyone!

What kids lit character would you like to vote off the island?
Ramona's nemesis, Susan with the boing boing curls. That girl has got to go.

What kids lit character would you share your last twinkie with?
I don't understand. Share? A Twinkie? What are you saying? Oh, okay fine, if I have to share my twinkie, I'll probably share it with that mouse from the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" book, just to see what the little sucker demands next.

What TV family would you like to be adopted by?
I was torn between the Keatons from Family Ties and the Bristows from Alias because the Bristows seemed so much more exciting, but then I realized I'd be much less likely to find a dead body in the Keatons' bathtub. (Well, unless it's Skippy.)

Worst job in the universe?
Cockroach wrangler.

Dream job for a day?
Lighthouse Keeper and part time Puppy Hugger.

Marx Brothers or Three Stooges?
The Marx Brothers. I understand they have a rubber chicken.

Clown V. Mime Deathmatch. Pick your winner.
Mime. There's only so much damage you can do with a squirty flower and floppy shoes, but those invisible glass boxes are killers.

Funniest dead person you’d like to meet?
Douglas Adams, if only for the cow in the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

Best use for a book shaped object? (You know, one of those things sold as books but which should never ever have been published.)
Impromptu dog dinner table complete with removable placemat.

More info about Emily:
EmilyEcton.com