These days, any author worth his or her pen has a website (and a Facebook page and a Twitter account, etc.). The sites let authors communicate directly with their fans as well as act as “official” spaces for news, tour dates, new book releases, and more. Some sites are bare bones, with just the facts, ma’am. Others, like J.K. Rowling’s, allow for interaction and even some intrigue. Rowling’s site is infamous for its secret links and hidden treasures, designed to keep fans hooked.
Recently, I came across another author website and found it so thoroughly entertaining that I wanted to share it with you, fellow bookworms.
“Facing tomorrow’s challenges today.” “There is no ‘I’ in ‘cheese.’” “That’s what it’s all about.”
These are just some of the headlines you’ll see when you visit Jon Sciezska Worldwide, the official website of children’s literature author Jon Scieszka. Best known for his collaborations with illustrator Lane Smith and his twisted and upside-down “fairy tales” (i.e., The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales), Scieszka is also the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.
His website is full of the off-beat, wacky and generally messed up humor that you’ll find in many of his books. In fact, Scieszka’s website is just as fun as his True Story of the Three Little Pigs. For starters, there’s a handy “Official Jon Scieszka Pronunciation Guide” (hint: it rhymes with Fresca) as well as a detailed biography and list of his books. You’ll also find the FATFAQ page – Favorite Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. What you won’t find are the questions, so you’ll have some fun imagining what questions led to the answers Scieszka provides (some examples: Jim, Tom, Gregg, Brian, Jeff; dark green; kerfuffle).
Then there’s the ever-changing upper right-hand corner of the site. Each page has a different feature, with the Vegas-style spinner (if you get four of a kind, you just might win); the Jon Scieszka “sloganeer” with suggestions like “tangy smells just so” and “A-Ok art just for you;” the Official Scieszka reflex test; a countdown clock to April 1, 2010; and the cheese fez (beware of pop-up windows).
Then there’s my favorite part – the Noodles page, which I wouldn’t dare ruin for you. Bonus points if you can find it.
Scieszka’s site reflects his philosophy that reading should be fun and enjoyable for everyone. As the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Scieszka travels the country talking about the importance of literacy and reading, especially for children. Unlike some, though, he doesn’t condemn television or video games. In fact, he encourages reading in any form – even if it takes place online. With a website chock full of facts, figures and words, he practices what he preaches.
Check out JSW; I think you’ll like it. And feel free to recommend other author websites to me as well. I’m always interested.
[Photo Credit: Puffin UK]
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