I did not know this

(ABC photo/Carol Kaelson)

You can learn interesting stuff by reading children's literature blogs. The very famous actor James Franco ("127 Hours") is the son of very fine children's book writer/poet Betsy Franco (Birdsongs, Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails, Mathematickles!, A Curious Collection of Cats). Betsy Franco played his mom on "General Hospital." I've reviewed her books for The News Tribune. Maybe everyone knew this but me, but in case you didn't I'm clueing you in.

That lends a bit more credibility to the publishing of James Franco's book of short stories Palo Alto. Maybe he's not just another celebrity author; maybe he has the writing gene. I don't know, I haven't read it. Has anybody else?