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The winners of the most prestigious awards in children's literature have been announced. The Caldecott Medal is awarded to the best picture book, and the Newbery to the best children's book. Before the awards, were announced, one Illinois school held its own mock competition.

The recent death of H. David Dalquist, inventor of the bundt cake pan, has reminded many cooks of the beautiful, easy cakes that quietly fell from fashion. Essayist and food afficianado Bonny Wolf has fond memories of the days of the bundt cake.

Producer David Harvey's new bluegrass album pays tribute to British '70s pop icons The Moody Blues. Bluegrass stars from Tim O'Brien and Alison Krauss to Stuart Duncan and Aubrey Haynie interpret "I'm Just a Singer in a Rock and Roll Band" and "Nights in White Satin," among others. Hear NPR's Steve Munro.

Chris J. Strolin and his team of contributors from around the world are attempting to redefine each and every word in the English language with a limerick. So far, they've completed 6,228 limericks. The dictionary is called The Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form. Mr. Strolin tells NPR's Scott Simon how he came up with the idea and how they've redefined antidisestablishmentarianism.

In her latest book, best-selling humor writer Jill Conner Browne — better known as the Sweet Potato Queen — shares her insights on men, classifying them into handy spud categories (Mr. Right is a Spud Stud.) NPR's Debbie Elliott caught up with the Queen and her sparkling, tiara-wearing fans.

Shoring up Social Security for the wave of retiring baby boomers is a top priority at President Bush's economic summit taking place at the White House.

Students in the United States trail many of their peers in Europe and Asia in math and science scores, according to the newly released results of an international standardized test.

Neil Innes is a singer and songwriter who also was the guiding musical force behind the comedy team Monty Python. His humorous songs carry that peculiar British blend of absurdity and intelligence. Music journalist Ashley Kahn caught up with Innes on his recent American tour.

Sixty-three years ago today, Americans were shocked by news that a Japanese force had attacked the U.S. military base at Pearl Harbor. As NPR's John Ydstie reports, the family of a U.S. commander blamed for the attack refuses to accept the government's version of events.

The Da Vinci Code and America by Jon Stewart and his Daily Show cohorts are topping best-seller lists right now. But for holiday gift ideas, NPR's Susan Stamberg asked independent booksellers around the country to suggest some hidden gems from their shelves.