Winfrey Club Moves Into Kids’ Books

Tue., Dec. 30, 1997

Newsday

For the first time, Oprah Winfrey has chosen children’s books for discussion in a meeting of her TV show’s book club. The titles she “assigned” for an unspecified date in January are the first three books in a new, values-affirming series written by Bill Cosby and published by Scholastic.

The Little Bill series, as the line is known, begins with “The Meanest Thing to Say,” “The Best Way to Play” and “The Treasure Hunt.” Aimed at youngsters 5 to 8 years old, Cosby’s adventures of Little Bill underscore the importance of friendship, imagination and family. They are colorfully illustrated by Varnette P. Honeywood and introduced with theme-setting messages for parents by Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint. Each book lists for $3.99.

Cosby is no stranger to book writing. His “Fatherhood” and two others are among the bigger-selling humor books for adults. The televised discussion of his Little Bill trio will come a year after the slaying of his son, Ennis.

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