August 18, 2009
 Happy Hannukah Corduroy, coming this October, and the spring 2010 release of Happy Easter Curious George, got me thinking about the issue of classic franchised children's book characters and holidays. These titles are great, but why stick to the run of the mill, usual suspect sort of holidays? What about holidays with literary connotations or philosophical depth? For example, with the recent Robert Burns 250th anniversary getting so much press, was an opportunity missed in not coming out with Eat Your Haggis Curious George? I know what you're thinking. Curious George is a monkey, and therefore almost entirely a vegetarian, and the idea of him being goaded to eat a dish comprised of minced heart, lungs, and liver of a sheep or calf mixed with suet, could be construed as not being 100% tasteful. Yet still, aren't there larger issues here, and if classic franchised children's book characters don't lead the way who will? Consider Yom Kippur. At first blush the Jewish Day of Atonement might seem a forbidding topic for Curious George, but George is a curious monkey, and his curiosity has previously resulted in hospital bills, radiology bills, and the unintentional theft of property such as balloons. Perhaps the concept of atonement would resonate with him. So what do you think? Which untapped holidays would work here, and which is the world not quite ready for? Email us and let us know! Catching Fire Lands on September 1st!! Our Catching Fire Discussion And Support Group will follow in its wake. You can read our own spoiler free advance review and pre-order your copy Here. Here they are! Our weekly picks for the two best: two hardcover, two paperback, and two children's books. The very best new arrivals to leap out of the box and onto our shelves this week. Call or email us if you want more information on any of these titles, or to have us hold you a copy. Or stop in and check them out in person. We'd love to see you. Thanks as always for sharing your reading with us!
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