It’s not just because he wears a sleek black jacket — Neil Gaiman is an otter because otters — are just way cool. Completely unteachable, and apt to do a new thing every other moment, an otter is probably a very appropriate metaphor for Gaiman’s writing style.

Another brief newslet from this side of the bog, apparently pink books don’t attract boys. Ya don’t say. Though publishers insist they choose ‘non-targeted’ covers, it’s apparent that most don’t really mind when books have the look that would appeal to mostly girls — after all, girls buy more books. Hmmm…

I’m late out of the gate with this one, but the guy who discovered J.K. Rowling has not only started his own imprint, he’s launched a children’s fiction contest. Because everyone wants to be… the next… Okay, never mind. I’m just telling you, in case you’re interested.

I am still endlessly fascinated by the idea of Stephen Hawking and his daughter, Lucy, collaborating on a children’s book. This interview talks about how it went, and gives a more personal, family view of a man of extraordinary brainpower.