IT’S HARD TO believe, but 2007 marks the 75th anniversary of the Little House on the Prairie series. To celebrate, HarperCollins Children’s Books has repackaged the entire series. Instead of the classic Garth Williams illustrations that most readers grew up with, the covers now feature photographs that are more action oriented and convey a sense of adventure for today’s readers. However, to appeal to all readers, the series will be available with both sets of covers.
HarperCollins decided to make the change after conducting a survey of teachers and librarians across the country and learning that the illustrations felt old-fashioned and did not resonate well with today’s young readers.
Robin Miller signs Quick Fix Meals on April 2, at noon, at the Issaquah, Washington, Costco, 1801 10th Ave. NW.
Sanjay Gupta signs Chasing Life on April 28, at noon, at the Atlanta, Georgia, Costco, 6350 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE.
Fundamental, a nonprofit organization promoting children’s literacy.
The next luncheon is scheduled for May 5, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Authors currently scheduled to appear, with more to be confirmed closer to the day, include Stephen Coonts, Linda Fairstein, Michael Palmer and Doug Preston. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.regonline.com/Checkin.asp? Event Id=116819.
In other writers group news, the Mystery Writers of America (MWA) have also launched an initiative to help financially struggling libraries throughout the United States. Launched in February 2007, the program, named MWA: Reads, aims to bring attention to the needs of public library systems by donating books to libraries for their collections—with a particular focus on books for children and young adults.
COSTCO HAS FIVE copies of Jodi Picoult’s Nineteen Minutes and five copies of Robert Crais’ The Watchman to give away. To enter, print the name of the book you hope to win, your name, membership number, address and daytime phone number on a postcard or letter and send it to: The Costco Connection, P.O. Box 34088, Seattle, WA 98124-1088, or fax it to (425) 313- 6718. No purchase is necessary.
In other MWA news, author Nelson DeMille has been elected president of the 67- year-old group. He will serve a one-year term, which ends in February 2008. DeMille is the author of novels such as The General’s Daughter, Wild Fire and The Gold Coast. Past presidents include Raymond Chandler, Mary Higgins Clark and Elmore Leonard.
At the end of April, the MWA will hold its 61st Gala Banquet to announce the winners of the 2007 Edgar Awards. Check this space next month for a list of winners. In the meantime, here are the nominees in the Best Novel category.
postmarked by May 1, 2007. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by mail on or before June 1, 2007. The value of the prizes is $26 and $25.95, respectively. Void where prohibited. Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes. The decision of the judges is final. Employees of Costco or Simon & Schuster and their families are not eligible.