Children's storybooks often contain fantasy elements, from dragons and wizards to anthropomorphic animals that wear clothes, talk, and behave like humans. These elements can impact children's learning from storybooks both positively and negatively, perhaps due in part to their ability to capture children's interest and attention. Prior research…

Liminality, both etymologically and practically, is generally meant to be navigated through, not permanently occupied. The Disney "Descendants" series, marketed for ages seven to twelve, is an example of children's literature that engages with liminality as not only a lasting choice but also one of joy and reconciliation. The books…

Purpose: This study aims to explore young children's information practices within the context of their individual interests, examining children's interest-related information activities, challenges encountered and enablers received. Design/methodology/approach: Participants included 18 children between five and seven years of age and their…

This article presents findings from the first year of a multiyear investigation of the implementation of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) book distribution program as part of one community's long-term initiative to improve early literacy skills. The authors describe (a) the study's logic model and associated theory of change, (b)…

Presents an overview of books by De Paola and suggestions for using them with students. (DD)

Recounts the activities that a number of bookstores have sponsored in order to generate children's interest in books, such as making valentines in February, having Santa Claus pay a visit in December, and having children tape record their favorite stories so that blind children can listen to them. (DF)

Notes that few books dealing with computers are available for elementary school students. Provides an annotated list of the books that are available and makes suggestions for their use. (FL)

Discusses G. K. Chesterton's views on children's literature and the importance of children reading for enjoyment. (AEA)

Annotates books selected by children from across the United States as their favorites from among more than 700 trade books published in 1981. The books are categorized as beginning independent reading books; books for younger, for middle grade, and for older readers; informational books; poetry; and jokes and riddles. (FL)

Suggests that students authoring and publishing books for younger children can produce extraordinary results, not the least of which is the effect on children--the ones who make the books and the ones for whom they are made--as readers of literature. (AEA)

The criteria used by children in deciding whether they would like to read a particular book are discussed as a means of providing guidance to adults choosing books for children. The criteria discussed include titles, covers and inside illustrations, information provided on back covers, physical dimensions and print size, and the author's…

Annotates the 97 titles chosen by more than 2,500 children as the best of the trade books published in 1982. Arranges the titles into categories according to reading level and offers suggestions for using the books in and out of the classroom. (FL)

An illustrator and author reflects on growing up in Nazi Germany. (AEA)

Tells how science books can provide children with a chance to learn the methods of science and how to use them. (HOD)

Discusses some of the novels of Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925), pointing out that their "simplicity and directness, mythic grandeur, and lack of sentimentality" could make them popular classics for today's children. Urges teachers to introduce Haggard's books to their students. (GT)