If one were asked to sketch the outline of a book, most would draw a rectangular shape with some kind of hard or paperback cover encapsulating a stack of papers.  Said drawing would not be inaccurate – it would just be lacking imagination.  Unfortunately a lack of imagination had become a far too common occurrence in the literary and publishing worlds, which is why a group of artists tried challenging the status quo by founding the non-profit organization Booklyn back in 1999.

This artist-run organization works to unite the writer, artist and reader through a mutual appreciation of creativity and discovery.  Based out of Greenpoint, Booklyn helps its artists and writers to distribute, sell and make their own books.  The organization is dedicated to its mission of promoting their writers’ books as both literary resources and works of art – especially in a market overrun by mass production and conformity.  Booklyn offers classes, workshops, and lectures to all those interested in the creative and historical aspects of literature and bookmaking.  They also willingly assist artists and authors in publishing and distributing their works by providing them with access to the organization’s technology and skilled professionals, in addition to their ever-increasing audience base.  This organization provides a unique and organic forum for book lovers abound to share in their appreciation for literature and hand crafted works.  In this segment, show hosts Shirley and Christopher explore the craftsmanship behind this innovative organization!

Booklyn Artists Alliance

37 Greenpoint Avenue, 11222

http://www.booklyn.org/index.php

Who are your favorite New York authors?

Post a Comment and Let Us Know!

New York City is an incredible place to raise children. Just ask husband-and-wife writing team Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender, who followed their successful book My Subway Ride with My Taxi Ride. They show us that New York is not only a playground for children, but also a classroom in which you can learn just by stepping out of the door. Paul and Jennifer delight in communicating the wonders of the city in a way that kids can appreciate. The joys of the city are not just in the places you go, but how you get here. While they currently live in Massachusetts, Paul and Jennifer are active in Brooklyn Public Library’s Meet the Author program and continue to make appearances around the country to speak about storytelling and the writing process. One of their latest ventures is Nascar ABCs, a book that teaches the alphabet through the exciting world of car racing. CiNYC host Hank meets with this writing duo, who teaches us that each journey is a discovery – whether it’s by subway, by taxi, by car, or on foot.

www.jacobsandswender.com

www.gibbs-smith.com

Read up on Hank’s Code Read ventures here!

Which codes hold Your Favorite Bookstores?

Post A Comment And Tell Us Where You Like To Pore Over The Written Word.

Armed with unbridled enthusiasm for Pippi Longstocking and MFAs from The New School, eight writers dedicated themselves to writing and reading great books for children and teens. They have been there for each other from first chapters to first rejection letters to first book signings. Their blog, Longstockings, is part book review, part advice column for navigating the murky world of agents and publishers, and part support system for each other, as well as their loyal subscribers. Whether you are a reader or a writer or both, if you love kidlit, log on!

Tell us about your blog: what is the premise, what are your main coverage areas, how did you get started? We are eight writers and we’re all about kids books. Some of us write for middle grade readers, some of us write for teens and some of us write for both. One of us even has a picture book coming out! We cover everything and anything related to kids’ books and the ups and downs of being a writer. We met at the New School where we all got MFA’s in, you guessed it, Writing for Children, and we are not only a blog but a critique group and support system for each other. We love kidlit and we love blogging about it!

What brought you to New York?
Wanting to live in the greatest city in the country and possibly the world.

What do you love about living in New York?
Great food, awesome stuff to do, the best museums outside of Europe, great mix of people, everything you need is close by and I don’t ever have to drive.

What do you think makes a New Yorker?
Living here and loving it.

What surprises you about New York or New Yorkers?
How quick people are to help each other out. I have two kids and when I needed to shuttle them about in a double stroller people would practically get mowed down in traffic with their efforts to open doors for me.

When you leave New York, what do you miss the most?
The pace and electricity of the city.

Do you know any tricks or insider info?
The most amazing cookies in the world are at Levain Bakery on 74th between Broadway and Amsterdam.

Best corny tourist attraction that you secretly love?
Ellen’s Stardust Diner- waitstaff singing Broadway tunes is my definition of awesome.

Best neighborhood bar?
I like The Heights in my neighborhood, Morningside Heights.

Best late night joint?
For food I’d say French Roast.

Last cultural thing that you did (movie, museum, theatre, etc…)?
Saw the Sex and the City movie- I wasn’t in love with the story but it was wonderful to see the ladies again!

Best fancy schmancy restaurant?
I love Candle 79 on, surprise, 79th at Lex.

Best place for Children to be exposed to new authors?
I’m a huge fan of the Bank Street Bookstore which gets great authors (and also musicians).

Best new author you have recently discovered?
Aside from my fellow Longstockings, who rock, I’d have to say Debbie Reed Fischer who wrote BRALESS IN WONDERLAND, a terrific teen novel about the modeling world.

Best place to find rare books?
I’ve found some terrific stuff at The Strand.

www.thelongstockings.blogspot.com/

What is your favorite children’s book?

Post a comment and below and let us know what’s cool to read.

See New York City from a new point of view in Mark Kurlansky’s book The Big Oyster – History on the Half Shell. “It was just a great story,” says Kurlansky, “which is always what I look for.” Oysters have always been in abundance on these shores and not too long ago you could by a dozen for the price of a hot dog. The 1800s saw $6 million worth of oyster sales and they’re no less popular today. Kurlansky’s book tells the tale of NYC’s oyster love throughout the ages and across socio economic divides.

For the best of fun and education for your kids, take a spin on The Learning Wheel, a toy store that specializes in informative play. Owned and operated by two lifelong teachers, the store takes everyone back to the classroom with talking globes, frog growing kits, and magic microscopes. The Learning Wheel is full of resources for all age groups and promises to entertain kids and adults alike!

www.thelearningwheel.com

1514 Avenue Z, Brooklyn 11235