A Regal World Book Day

To celebrate World Book Day on March 3, author Betty G. Birney (l.) joined Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall to open the Wimbledon Bookfest Young Writers’ Competition at Wimbledon Chase Primary School in London. Birney wrote one of the featured books for World Book Day, Humphrey’s Tiny Tales: My Treasure Hunt Trouble, which stars the hamster from her According to Humphrey series; in the U.K., children receive tokens that can be exchanged for World Book Day books. The Humphrey books are published by the U.S. by Putnam and in the U.K. by Faber and Faber; Irish animation studio Telegael recently optioned the series for a film/TV adaptation.

DiTerlizzi on ‘Today’

Tony DiTerlizzi visited the Today Show last Friday to discuss The Search for WondLa (S&S, Sept. 2010), which was the latest selection in the Al’s Book Club for Kids. During the segment, DiTerlizzi discussed his inspiration for WondLa (classic works such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Peter Pan), explained the a ugmented reality aspects of the book, and answered kids’ questions about WondLa (including the sequel, which DiTerlizzi says will “probably be out in early 2012”). DiTerlizzi has additional photos and commentary about his appearance on his blog. Click here for video of the segment. Roker also announced his next Book Club pick: Trent Reedy’s Words in the Dust (Scholastic/Levine, Jan.).

A Rockin’ Book Party

Last Friday, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, N.C., hosted a launch party for middle-grade writer Frances O’Roark Dowell’s first YA novel, Ten Miles Past Normal (S&S/Atheneum, Mar.), about a high school freshman’s efforts to fit in. In the book, protagonist Janie learns how to play bass guitar, so—in addition to the typical (normal, even) reading, book signing, and snacks—the event featured musical performances by young members of Girls Rock NC, a local nonprofit organization that encourages creativity and confidence in girls, through music and other avenues. More than 150 teens and tweens were in attendance.

Celebrating (Two) Mozarts

Writer Elizabeth Rusch celebrated her new book, For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart (Tricycle, Feb.), dressed in full 18th-century regalia for a concert event in her hometown of Portland, Ore. Rusch (r.) was joined by area pianist David Saffert, who also dressed up to perform music from Maria Anna’s practice notebook as well as her brother’s sonatas and symphonies. Rusch’s picture-book biography tells the story of Anna Maria Mozart, a prodigy in her own right, whose talents were eclipsed by those of her famous younger brother. In a starred review, PW called it “a moving portrait of an unsung musician.”