Reviews five children's books that deal with the theme of losing things and the feelings that can accompany it. Also discusses the loss of intangible things, such as talent, concentration, temper, or patience, and presents five creative activities that deal more with the loss of objects. (LRW)

Addresses the theme of redemption and examines characters who try to make things right in literature and film. Reviews six books and two films and suggests creative activities for middle school students that tie in with the works cited. (LRW)

Discusses children's fantasies about running away and describes children's books and films that address those feelings. Includes suggestions for creative activities for younger children and middle grade students, including puppets, plays, illustrated maps, and role playing. (LRW)

Discusses various encounters children may have that leave lasting impressions, including encounters with animals or natural elements in general, those with people that evolve into friendship or tension, and fantasy encounters. Examples are given from films and literature, and sample creative activities involving encounters are suggested for…

Describes how children can become immersed in the world of fairy tales through activities such as choosing a character and developing a monolog, and creating a pantomime, a prop and a piece of advice, all relevant to their character and story. Includes a list of resources. (AEF)

Presents short descriptions of six "curious places" in children's books and films. Describes sample creative class activities for younger and middle grade children to engage in after listening to selected stories. Activities include creating drawings, stories, flip books, and picture books; role-playing; and developing an imaginary town.…

Discusses children's tastes in music and reviews children's books that have music as a theme. Presents a creative activities sampler for younger and older children as well as a list of resources, including books and films. (LRW)

Focuses on the theme of safe and comforting places for children, and how libraries can help provide safe havens for children. Presents a survey of safe places in selected works of children's literature. Includes a sampler of creative activities focusing on the theme, and a list of resources (books and videotapes). (AEF)

Discusses the theme of morning from the perspective of children. Provides several passages and describes stories from children's books that deal with the subject. Discusses the benefits of morning activities and routines, as well as morning journeys and exploration. Presents a creative activities sampler and print and film resources. (AEF)

Discusses the theme of humiliation and the fear of humiliation in various stories for children and adolescents. Highlights include ethnicity and isolation, class bully torments, having a "special needs" relative, dreams of exclusion, and teacher crushes. Provides suggested activities for role-playing and human rights research. (AEF)

Considers the playground as an informal educational setting for social learning. Discusses interactions that take place between children and playground behavior; describes books that deal with playground behavior; and includes creative class activities, including role playing, that address playground behavior. (LRW)

Presents examples from children's literature that illustrate types of special "thinking/dream spots." Suggests the following activities: creating a dream place in the library media center, describing or drawing a dream spot, designing a meditation room, making a sculpture garden, and writing monologs. (AEF)

Discusses the theme of snitching, or tattling, in literature and films as well as in school life. Considers what motivates behavior, when tattling is appropriate, and historical examples such as the McCarthy era and the Nazis. Provides ideas for creative learning activities for elementary school, middle school, and high school students. (LRW)

Discusses costume play as a means for children to safely become other beings, cultivate their own style, experience culture, experiment with new materials, and escape their anxieties. Notes characters from children's literature who used or wanted costumes, and provides a creative activities sampler. (AEF)