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New York Times Book Review
Children’s book editor for the New York Times Book Review
PROFILE
Maria Russo
Guest
FROM Maria Russo
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Remembering Jean Stein, daughter of Hollywood royalty Oral historian and author Jean Stein died Sunday of an apparent suicide in Manhattan. In her last book “West of Eden,” she told stories of five families who shaped LA, including her own family. Her father founded the media giant MCA in the 1920s. Stein’s works tackled the cult of celebrity, the loneliness of fame, and tensions between West Coast and East Coast ideas of success.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why 'Little House on the Prairie' is politically relevant Author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 150th birthday is this month. An anniversary collection of her books is out. The stories are set in post-Civil War America. Children’s books editor for the New York Times, Maria Russo, says there’s much to learn from how the frontier family navigated that time, especially as we navigate today’s fractious era in America.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Remembering 'Llama llama' author Anna Dewdney Author Anna Dewdney died recently at her Vermont home of brain cancer. She was 50 years old. Dewdney’s first illustrated children’s book, “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” was first published in 2005. Since then, Llama Llama has become a 10-book series selling more than ten million copies. Maria Russo, Children’s Books Editor at the New York Times Book Review, remembers the author who was beloved by preschoolers and parents alike.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
When Children's Books Tackle Tough Issues For as long as children have had issues to struggle with, authors have crafted stories to help. From Aesop’s Fables and Brothers Grimm to Judy Blume and Shel Silverstein, stories of the angst, joys and insecurities of young adulthood can be found on bookshelves in libraries and bookstores across the country. More and more, there’s an increasing specificity of issues being addressed, such as parents in prison, being transgendered, having gay parents, bullying, ADHD, and more. Are the books championed by parents the same books their kids want to read?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'West of Eden' Looks At Los Angeles History The history of Los Angeles is a history of the families that shaped it. In a new book called West of Eden , oral historian and author Jean Stein tells the stories of five families who shaped our city, including her own. Her father was Jules Stein, founder of the media giant MCA in the 1920s. The Dohenys, the Garlands, the Warners and the Selznicks round out the cast of characters in West of Eden. Stein’s works tackle similar themes: The cult of celebrity, the loneliness of fame, and the tensions between West Coast and East Coast ideas of success. Madeleine speaks to a reviewer about the writer’s latest .
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'West of Eden' The history of Los Angeles is a history of the families that shaped it. Oral historian and author Jean Stein tells the stories of five families who shaped our city in her new book, West of Eden, including her own family, the Steins. Her father was Jules Stein, founder of the media giant MCA in the 1920s. The Dohenys, the Garlands, the Warners and the Selznicks round out the cast of characters in West of Eden. Stein’s works, few but incredibly influential, tackle similar themes: The cult of celebrity, the loneliness of fame, and the tensions between West Coast and East Coast ideas of success.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'What Pet Should I Get?' An old, unpublished work from Dr. Seuss is out this month. Two years ago, Dr. Seuss’ widow discovered a manuscript written by the beloved author in a box in their house in La Jolla. This Sunday, the New York Times Book review will publish a review of it on the cover— the first children’s picture book to make the cover.
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Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why did Jared Kushner want a back channel with Russians? News broke Friday that President Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, tried setting up a back channel between the Trump transition team and the Russian government. What are the consequences for Kushner, President Trump, and the investigation into Russian meddling?
Good Food
Shaking up the USDA, 'The Beef Cookbook' and 'Tartine All Day' Peggy Lowe explains why Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is rattling rural America. Dario Cecchini talks future plans for Chianti ramen, and Richard Turner shares cuts from “PRIME: The Beef Cookbook.” Writer Matthew Sedacca looks at the controversy behind liquid smoke. Jonathan Gold tries Chengdu-style dishes, and Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine fills us in on the latest. Plus, chef Michael Beckman shares a recipe for cactus confit.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Previewing James Comey's blockbuster testimony Former FBI director James Comey testifies Thursday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, but his opening statement has been released. In it, he says he felt pressured by Donald Trump to declare loyalty to him and publicly clear him of any wrongdoing in the Russia investigation.