Hispanic Heritage Month is part of what makes this the most wonderful time of year. The celebratory time straddling September and October invites us to indulge in the richness of Latine heritage in an extra special way. The CYBILS joyfully acknowledges and celebrates the continuing contributions to American life and culture in all areas that people of Caribbean, Central and South American, Mexican, and Spanish heritage bring. ¡Viva la gente, mis queridas!
World Beach Day! September first kicks off World Beach Month. Seventy percent of the Earth’s crust covered in water is edged by shoreline - some sandy, some rocky and dramatic, and all of it in need of our care and protection. This is the month to take part in a beach clean-up, dig through the sand and discover treasures, and get out into the water before it’s too cold to enjoy! Why not? After all, you never know what you’ll find… spectacular shells, breath-stealing fossils, cranky mermaids…
September celebrates the birthdays of two Maine authors, one beloved children’s writer Kate Douglas Wiggin born Sept. 28, 1856, the author of the famously long-in-print Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. The second Maine author is not generally associated with children’s books… like, at all. He’s none other than Scary Stephen (King), born September 21, 1947 whose debut children’s book, Hansel and Gretel is a reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm tale. Created in close collaboration with the Maurice Sendak Foundation, we expect it to be the creepiest retelling of the tale to date😶 but what do you think? Just another celebrity author hype, or do you expect King to bring anything new to the table? Or do you think fairy tales are creepy enough and should be left alone? What’s your preference for stories in autumn? Cozy, or creepy? What other new books are you looking forward to this season? Don’t hesitate to leave a note in the comments - you might find your choice in next month’s list.
Scribble Smiles
Will you be in the D.C. or Philadelphia area between October 5-11? If so, color US envious, because you just might get to jump on the Banned Wagon! The Penguin Random House Banned Wagon, fully the best publisher bookmobile ever, will be giving away free books at libraries and indie bookstores during Banned Books Week. We love to see it - because this isn’t just a “celebration” of Banned Books Week with a nice bulletin board or a bookmark, it’s a corporation actively doing something to make a difference. Even if you can’t mount a book giveaway personally, we know you’re in the fight, too. What does your library, book club or bookstore community have going on next month? Please let us know in the comments.
September normally sees the CYBILS Awards ramping up activity to enlist panelists and category chairs. If it seems sad and weird not to see that happening this year, you’re not alone - it’s sad and weird to us, too. Especially right now, it may seem counterintuitive to put a book award on hiatus, but we’re merely taking things in a new direction this year. Former CYBILS judges and panelists are invited to hop on the CYBILS Discourse site and read our director, Sheila’s, message on what’s next. We will never stop celebrating, loving, and talking about books, especially diverse books! We hope you’ll join in.
A festive Decorative Gourd Season to those who celebrate. 🍁Whether we’re grabbing a PSL or scuffing leaf piles on our walks, we’re thrilled to begin that MOST wonderful time of the year! If only we could get the weather to provide crispy leaves, cool days and chilly nights on command! Whether or not your region is currently enduring temps in the nineties and/or thunderstorms (???) or remaining autumn-appropriate with chill winds and swirling leaves, we say, “Happy Fall, Y’all!” and wish you the best of books!