Making Models of Mysterious Books

Allen Library in Frisco, Texas, shared pictures on their blog of the models of objects from recently-read mystery books, with one image showing a pretty cool looking version of Barnavelt's Folly. Good job, sir!  Who else has ever made a Bellairs-inspired diorama or model?

The "Still Wonderful" John Bellairs

by Brentus (Nov. 16, 2010)
(Originally published at Duck Warlock)

The Boy Who Could Enter Paintings

New commentary on the Herb Valen book from 1968, whose illustrations by Susan Perl reminded the reviewer of Edward Gorey and Mercer Mayer (and from one picture, look kin to Jonathan and Lewis Barnavelt):

All the House's a Stage

An out-of-the-blue surprise from the website of Greg Vanselo, who apparently was part of a stage version of House.

The House with a Clock in its Walls (1994)
Producer, Director, Adaptation for the Stage, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer, Master Carpenter

Something About the Fox Sisters

Commentary from Ghost Augustine about the Fox Sisters, briefly mentioned in The Specter from the Magician's Museum:

Stephen King with Stabilisers

by Nick Campbell (Oct. 5, 2010)
(originally published at leaf-pile.blogspot.com)

Review: House "Oone Of The Best – And Creepiest - Books"

Book review: The House with a Clock in its Walls

Review: Face "[A] Fantasy Reduced To Its Purest Form"

Book review: The Face in the Frost

Top 10 Sing-a-long Moments

As we prepare for the tenth anniversary of Bellairsia, we’re using our absurdly rad Twitter feed to share some memorable moments and commentary in the form of Top Ten lists.

Goreyana: The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder

Notes from Goreyana about The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder:

• The drawing of the maze appears to be lost, but the dust jacket and frontis original artwork are not.
• Bromer Booksellers sold the dust jacket artwork (two pieces of original art: one large color painting and one hand-lettered title typography) in their now famous 2001 catalog of Edward Gorey artwork, books and ephemera. The dust jacket image does not read particularly well as a single piece of art, but the execution and subject matter are top notch. The skeleton wearing glasses with plants growing up through it on the back cover of the book is particularly delightful.

Impressions on The Dolphin Cross

by Scallop Skulled Sklad (Aug. 8, 2010)

(Originally published at scallopskulledskald.blogspot.com)

Fifty-five Questions About Books (with Someone's Fifty-five Answers)

Kelly Sedinger answered 55 questions about books earlier this month and off the bat, when asked about his favorite childhood book, gives some love to Bellairs - with some film commentary, to boot!

Andrew Auseon: Coming-Of-Age Stories...But With Zombies

Author Bethany Hegedus's "writer friendly; bookshelf approved" LiveJournal blog featured a multi-part interview with author Andrew Auseon as part of the publication of his latest book, Freak Magnet. When asked about writers he returns to he repeatedly, Auseon notes his long-time appreciation for John's work:

Forgetting Any Other Book But This

Those sites that allow readers to recall hazy memories of books are always interesting. If anything it gives us the chance to welcome them to Bellairsia and experience John’s (and Brad’s) work again.

All It Took Was Just One Book

Amy Mascott is the creator of teachmama.com, where she shares tools and resources parents can use to become the best teachers for their children. As part of her All it Took was Just One Book series she asked blogger Amy Kraft to write a post about a great "spooktacular book for October."  Kraft writes about children’s media in her blog, Media Macaroni, and has reviewed Bellairs' books in the past. Here she says her favorite book as a child was The House with a Clock in its Walls: