Bill Martin Jr., the author of hundreds of popular children’s books, including BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?, died recently after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Like me, Martin had Kansas, Chicago, and Texas ties. He was born in Hiawatha, Kan., received his doctorate from Northwestern in Chicago, and lived in Commerce, Tex. (about an hour outside of Dallas).

Bill was one of the few living legends I had the priviledge of visiting with on a semi-regular basis as he attended numerous Texas children’s book events with his co-author, a charming man named Michael Sampson.

Early on in my career he gave me some helpful advice about picture book writing, and he always showed me every kindness and graciousness.

He will be deeply missed.

As much as he loved the book world, I don’t think he’d mind as I go on to share some industry tidbits.

Boyds Mills Press and Front Street Books have merged, which seems to be a good move for all concerned.

Check out The Ban-Proof Bookshelf by David Lubar from VOYA. Lubar is the author of FLIPPED and many more books for young readers. Greg and I had the pleasure of lunching with him and his lovely wife on the riverwalk at the annual TLA conference in San Antonio last spring.

A Tribute To Paula Danziger from Surfnet Kids.

A new author site: www.sarahlamstein.com (author of a Front Street title for 10-up, HUNGER MOON).

Feeling in the know? Surf over to Voya’s teen pop culture quiz.