Children's literature is not for the weak. It is a ruthless cutthroat business with lots of gnashes of the teeth. Children's librarianship, in contrast, is a sweet sweet ride. Now you can hear me as I growl, gargle, and kvetch my way through news, reviews, and interviews. Kidlit podcasting = scary new world.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
International Alchemy Conference
In honor of the International Alchemy Conference (in Vegas, baby, Vegas!) I'm going to ask you to list your favorite alchemists in children's literature. There is, of course, the obvious choice of Nicholas Flamel from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as well as a couple other books to boot. My personal favorite may well be the alchemist found in The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly. And it has nothing to do with the fact that we have the Newbery medal for that book in a drawer somewhere here at Donnell. Doesn't hurt, mind you, but it doesn't help.
In honor of my kids, I nominate Edward and Alphonse Elric, of Full Metal Alchemist. But they really only like the anime series, not the manga version, so I'm not sure this counts.
ReplyDeleteI'm partial to Pin and Barney in Gone Away Lake, who tricked a bully by convincing him that a particular stone was a philosopher's stone.
ReplyDeleteHow about the kindly but cowardly alchemist in Voight's On fortune's wheel? Although I admit that he was the first that sprang to mind (due to a recent re-read) so may not be a true favourite.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Emelius Jones in Bedknobs and Broomsticks an alchemist? That's what I vaguely remember. By the way, if you have never read the book, but only seen the movie, you would be in for a treat
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