Blinkety Links

Man, the feeds are smokin'. Forthwith, a few shares of what seems to be hot off the web for those who love books:

The Apocalypsies, a fab gathering of 2012 debut YA and middle grade authors have launched a one week-only race through their author blogs in an effort to introduce readers to their work set to be published in 2012. The race features quizzes, swag and encourages readers to like, join, recommend and interact to get the word out.  This may be the best marketing effort I've seen. But don't delay, the race only lasts from Jan 16-23. And all those book teasers...mmmmmm!

As mentioned in my previous post, World Book Night is going to debut in the U.S. this year. They are looking for 50,000 book-loving volunteers to take 20 free copies of a book to a location in their community and give them away. The goal is to give books to new readers, to encourage reading, to share your passion for a great book. Applications to be a distribution point or distributor are due Feb 1, 2012.

For those of us not yet willing to let the wonder of last summer's One World, Many Stories go, Paper Tigers blog is calling all readers who love and want to promote world literature to get involved in a very easy year-long challenge - Reading the World Challenge. They encourage readers to open up to the exciting possibilities and blend books into programming, curriculum and everywhere books and kids come together.  If you are interested in expanding your and kids' horizons, you can sign up in the comments section of their post above.