More Beautiful Libraries from Around the World

A few months ago I made a post called 10 of the Most Beautiful Libraries and Bookshops to Visit on Your Travels. Well, library-lovers, today we can admire more of these international beauties. This time we'll look by continent, thanks to MentalFloss.com.

First, they've listed 15 Spectacular Libraries in Europe. This list includes 1 library in Ireland, 2 in England, 1 in France, 1 in Spain, 1 in Portugal, 2 in the Netherlands, 1 in Switzerland, 3 in Austria, 1 in Germany, and 2 in the Czech Republic. Take a look at the link above and just scroll through the pictures. Is your library this beautiful? Have you ever been to any of these landmarks?

Next, there are 11 Fabulous Libraries in South America. This includes 2 in Brazil, 1 in Chile, 3 in Peru, 1 in Costa Rica, and 4 in Columbia. Click the link above and look at how beautiful these structures are both inside and out. I would love to sit down in any of these, but especially the EPM Library in Colombia. That one looks so cozy.

Lastly, and closest to home, they've looked at 10 Amazing North American Libraries. These have 2 located in Canada, 2 in Mexico, and 6 in the USA. Click the link above and see if you've been to any of these famous libraries. I've been to the Central Library of Vancouver, Canada and the Stephen A. Schwarzman Library, USA.

These all look so beautiful! What's the nicest library you've ever been to?

Clifford the Big Red Dog and Paddington Bear

If you're a fan of picture books being made into movies, than there's a lot of exciting news for you here today. According to MovieFone.com, both Clifford The Big Red Dog and Paddington Bear are heading to the big screen!

MovieFone reports that Universal is teaming up with Illumination Entertainment, the company who made the recent box-office marvel "Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax," to develop the full-length Clifford movie.

Clifford The Big Red Dog by Normal Bridwell can be placed on reserve here!

Or, click here for more books about Clifford!

According to MovieFone, Matt Lopez (who wrote the script for "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice") is set to write the script. The film will follow the story of 25-foot Clifford, as well as his companion, Emily. The film is said to be a live-action/animation hybrid.


On Paddington Bear, MovieFone reports that Studiocanal is partnering with David Heyman (who produced the" Harry Potter" movies) to adapt Michael Bond's Paddington Bear books. Paul King ("The Mighty Boosh") will direct the movie and it will be half-CGI and half-live-action.

Paddington Bear by Michael Bond can be placed on reserve here!

Or, click here for more Paddington books!

"The movie is said to be a 'modern take' on the story, which follows a polite, talking bear who was found in Paddington station and adopted by a British family." The film currently has no release date.

A Tribute to Maurice Sendak

“There must be more to life than having everything.” -Maurice Sendak

It's a sad day for anyone who's ever fallen in love with a children's book. Influential, unrivaled and famous author Maurice Sendak died this morning, at age 83, four days after he suffered a stroke. Maurice "revolutionized children's books and how we think about childhood simply by leaving in what so many writers before had excluded. Dick and Jane were no match for his naughty Max. His kids misbehaved and didn't regret it and in their dreams and nightmares fled to the most unimaginable places" (Associated Press).

If you've never had the privilege of being taken away by one of Maurice Sendak's books, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Alligators All Around: An Alphabet

Pierre : a Cautionary Tale in Five chapters and a prologue

Very Far Away

Where The Wild Things Are

Also, make sure to take a look at this awesome blog inspired by the beloved Where The Wild Things Are, called Terrible Yellow Eyes. The pieces presented on this site were done as a tribute to his life and legacy.

And enjoy this brief and lovely adaptation of "Where the Wild Things Are," almost undoubtedly his most famous book:

 

Then view this 2006 NBC interview with Maurice Sendak.

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"Sendak spoke often, endlessly, about death in recent years - dreading it, longing for it. He didn't mind being old because the young were under so much pressure. But he missed his late siblings and his longtime companion, Eugene Glynn, who died in 2009. Work, not people, was his reason to carry on" (Associated Press).

We'll miss you, Maurice... but the wild things cried, "Oh please don't go! We'll eat you up, we love you so!"

The Fault In Our Stars Movie

Although you'd never know it from this blog, I am a huge John Green fan. If you are too, brace yourself, because he's just announced some extremely exciting news on his Twitter account!

His most recent (and arguably best) novel, "The Fault In Our Stars," was optioned very early by Fox 2000. Know what this means? A "The Fault In Our Stars" MOVIE! According to Zap 2 It, writing partners Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber have signed a deal to adapt the novel and the film will be produced by Temple Hill's Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, who are best known for their work on the "Twilight" franchise.

If you haven't read John Green's "The Fault In Our Stars" yet, YOU HAVE TO! Put a copy on hold by clicking this link.

And for more on John Green, his Twitter can be read here.