Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books had some interesting information about John Newbery that I didn't even know about. John Newbery lived in the early 1700's in England, grew up on a farm, and then decided to work for a printing press. He loved all the ink and the machines and decided to become a publisher. John loved children and figured out they didn't have anything fun to read so he opened a store and sold children's books and toys and it was a hit!! He wrote many books for children that were small enough to fit in your pocket. He felt that reading should be enjoyable to children. He then published magazines for children since adults liked magazines so much..why shouldn't children like magazines? This biography in picture book form will interest readers of all ages. At the back of the book is some interesting facts about John Newbery, how he is considered the father of children's literature, and how the Newbery medal came to be.  I would love to start a Mock Newbery book club with older students showcasing books that might be nominated. This would be a great segway into a book club like that!