The Big Books at BEA 2012

For anyone not able to make it to this year's BEA, here's a run-down of the big titles that were featured there:

BEA 2012: Big Books for Kids: Surveying the Scene

Beloved and Groundbreaking Author Maurice Sendak Dies

Earlier this week, Maurice Sendak died. Known for books like Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen, Sendak defined children's literature for multiple generations. His books presented a darker worldview that resonated more deeply with the reality of children's worlds.

Maurice Sendak, Children's Author, Dies at 83

J.K. Rowling Announces New Book, Re-formatted Website

In a bit of news that's not exactly children's-publishing-specific, but which is certainly related, Rowling announced that her new adult book, titled The Casual Vacancy, will be released on September 27th.

J.K. Rowling's New Book "The Casual Vacancy" Out 27th September 2012

Rowling also re-released her website, which features a timeline about her life, Harry Potter, and this new book.

www.jkrowling.com (Country-specific sites are linked to within.)

Scholastic Announces New E-Book Platform

Scholastic's new platform will launch in its beta version soon, with separate versions for different age groups. Read more here:

Scholastic Launches Storia, a New Digital Platform

J.K. Rowling to Publish Adult Book

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has signed a deal with Little, Brown to publish a new book, this time for adults. Take a look a coverage here:

J. K. Rowling Has Deal for New Novel for Adults

New Top Books List from Scholastic

Scholastic's Parent & Child magazine recently released its latest list of top kids' books. Take a look here:

'Charlotte's Web' tops list of '100 great books for kids'

What the Experts Are Saying

Though there have been pitfalls and game-changers, overall this has been a good year for children's publishing. Read that and more here:

Four Industry Veterans Lay Out Advice at SCBWI