Great Regulars: Although Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Book awards,

which hand out a total of AED7m (£1.21m), found winners for categories including children's literature, fine art and translation, the AED750,000 literature prize was not awarded because the books submitted "did not meet the award's stringent norms"--so the advisory council opted to withhold it.

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Arabic book award withheld over lack of suitable candidates

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I'm not sure whether to be disturbed or delighted by my discovery that, as well as creating Grinches and Loraxes, Cats in Hats and Hortons, Dr Seuss also drew nudes. The late Theodor Geisel, who would have turned 108 last week, is famous for his children's books but he also, it turns out, was the author of a little-known picture book for adults: The Seven Lady Godivas.

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Blue toon: Dr Seuss's book of nudes reveals his adult side

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Carol Ann Duffy is just one of a multitude of poets celebrating the Olympics this summer, with works by John Burnside, Jo Shapcott, Lemn Sissay and Caroline Bird also being installed at the Olympic Park. The last line from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "Ulysses"--"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield"--is being featured at the Olympic Village, as part of the Winning Words project to include poetry in the London Olympics.

Eton Manor by Carol Ann Duffy

from Alison Flood: The Guardian: Poet laureate composes Olympics 2012 tribute

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