My wife of twenty years, come this November, is Esmé Raji Codell. She is a fabulous writer of many celebrated books for adults and children, including: Educating Esmé, How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, Sahara Special, Sing a Song of Tuna Fish, Diary of a Fairy Godmother, Hanukkah Shmanukkah, and her latest, Vive La Paris. Since 1999, she has been the webmaster for Planetesme.com, a children's literature information paradise and one of the most highly trafficked sites of its kind on the 'net. Booklovers can find invaluable reviews about the best in current children's books, thematic lists, and everything they need to become a supporting character in a child's reading life story. When she is not writing or working on her site, she works a day job as a school librarian.

About two years ago we rented a storefront in our Chicago neighborhood to share our love of books--and our sizeable collection--with our community. As "Chicago's literary living room," the PlanetEsme Bookroom (as we call it) has hosted some world-class children's authors and illustrators. We continue to hold events free to the public.

What inspires my wife's dedication to literacy? Johnny Appleseed. Every day he planted a seed and by doing so, he changed the landscape of our nation. Esmé believes that by reading aloud to children every day, we can also plant the seed that will change the landscape of our nation, and create equality in education. My wife's endeavors are long overdue a print. She always reminds me to do this "Johnny Appleseed under a tree reading" print for Planetesme.com. Well love? Here it finally is.