rgz news: Meg Cabot and readertotz!

My fun year of serving as a readergirlz diva is coming to a close, and I'm delighted to step into my trendy new role as rgz talent scout. I'll be on the hunt for hot new titles, so send the viral buzz my way.

Our author for December is Meg Cabot, and we're featuring HOW TO BE POPULAR, as well as celebrating the release of the last book in her PRINCESS DIARIES series, FOREVER PRINCESS, releasing January 6, 2009. Check out and jump into the rgz roundtable on popularity hosted by Little Willow. Or consider our recommended reads on the theme:
  • A La Carte by Tanita Davis
  • Fringe Girl in Love by Valerie Frankel
  • Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
  • How Not to be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler
  • Respect, a Girl’s Guide to Getting Respect & Dealing When your Line is Crossed

Also, rgz diva Lorie Ann Grover is spearheading our new little sister site -- readertotz!

Taking the lead from readergirlz, which boasts more than 8,000 members, readertotz will showcase high-quality literature. Lorie Ann Grover and Joan Holub will feature weekly blog posts that highlight the best contributions in the infant-toddler book arena and recommend monthly community service projects appropriate for families with young children to enjoy. Also included each month: an age-appropriate playlist and a recommended book for the older sibling.

"readertotz is our effort to raise the bar in board and novelty book literature," says Lorie Ann Grover. "We're challenging our colleagues to write great books for the youngest readers and encouraging the industry to publish those works. Eventually, we hope to work with the American Library Association to establish an award for infant-toddler books that's equivalent to the Caldecott and Theodor Geisel Award."

Now all we need is readerkidz or readertweenz!