Many reading programs today overlook an essential component of literacy instruction--helping children develop an enduring love of reading. This authoritative and accessible guide provides a wealth of ideas for incorporating high-quality children's books of all kinds into K-6 classrooms. Numerous practical strategies are presented for engaging…

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)

Describes the encounters with children experienced by a writer of children's books when she makes school visits. Reflects on how authors' visits to schools positively affect children's interest in reading and writing. (SR)

This study investigates the differences in children's comprehension and enjoyment of storybooks according to the medium of presentation. Two different storybooks were used and 132 children participated. Of these, 51 children read an extract from "The Magicians of Caprona," about half reading an electronic version with an online dictionary, and the…

Simultaneous presentation of a picture book and a sign language interpreter on split screen television allows hearing impaired children learn from oral storytelling experiences. (CL)

Suggests that first impressions are a vital element in the reading process and offers illustrations from the journal of a 15-year-old student. (MKM)

Suggests that nonfiction, in the world of books for children and adolescents, has been far too narrowly (and too negatively) defined. Describes the author's nonfiction writing as "creative nonfiction" and demonstrates how she incorporates real life experiences, intensive personal reflection, and intensive research in her books. (SR)

Examines positive and negative influences of the popular Goosebumps series for children. Examines why children find these books so appealing. Critiques the series' reliance on violence, materialistic values, and white middle-class characters. Discusses ways teachers, librarians, and parents can take advantage of the series' popularity to have…

Looks at what textbooks and trade books each have to offer to students in social studies, and discusses the value of using children's literature. Finds that using children's literature in the social studies curriculum improves content mastery or attitude toward social studies for some children, but not for others. (SR)

Describes a program at a branch of the Chicago Public Library which uses videocassettes to entice children to read the book from which the video was made. Criteria for selecting the videos and an annotated bibliography of 14 videos are included. A copy of a user questionnaire accompanying the book-video package is appended. (MES)

Cites materials in the ERIC system dealing with the importance of using good literature for children's reading materials, as well as suggestions to help teachers bring children and good books together. (HTH)

Discusses 13 newly released works of children's and adolescent literature that pave the path for readers beginning the road to lifelong literacy and may provide the impetus for teenagers to keep the reading habits started in their elementary years. (RS)

Considers arguments for and against the use of videotape productions of children's literature as motivators to reading. Criteria for the selection of videos that are successful adaptations of books are identified and discussed in the context of specific video productions. (four references) (CLB)

Notes several kinds of book clubs (for adults, children, and both) and the joys of sharing reading with others. Discusses 32 children's books (books of poetry, lessons for young writers, on the realities of young people's lives, and books that lead to talk about real heroes) that lend themselves to passionate and spirited book talk. (SR)

Attempts to predict trends and changes that will accompany children's books into the 21st century and beyond. Hopes that readers will recognize how difficult it is to detach from the context of one's own lifetime experience with children's books. Suggests that the need of the human spirit to belong and be accepted will always give literature the…