The new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

As you know, Jon Scieszka formally hands over his duties as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature on January 5th. His replacement is another well-known and highly respected writer -- Katherine Paterson.

Learn more about this Newbery Award/ multi-award winning author by clicking on her name above.

After the morning ceremony at the Library of Congress, a special event will be held 4:30 pm today (Tuesday) at the Washington bookstore Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NWWashington, D.C. 20008, where ex-Ambassador Jon Scieszka will introduce the next Ambassador of Children’s Literature. The store's newsletter says that "His advice to his successor will ensure his continued stamp on the world of children’s books while graciously paving the way for new Ambassador’s reign. As the first Ambassador, Scieszka defined the role of Chief Promoter of children’s literature."

Reactions of other bloggers are here and here and here and here. I'm sure you'll find lots more today as the news spreads.
-wendie old

Thank you Jon Scieszka

On January 5th (this Tuesday), a new Ambassador for Children's Books will be announced by the Library of Congress and the current one, Jon Scieszka, will retire. It's been wonderful having him represent all children's book writers these past two years.
Mary Bowman-Kruhm has written a tribute to him that speaks for all of us. Follow her links to see what Jon has been up to.

A roundup of the many, many bloggers posting messages about the wonderfulness of Jon is located at A Year of Reading Click on through and explore these links.
-wendie O