Reviews five established features of traditional picture books. Discusses new artistic conventions that have emerged in newer picture books, including: complexity of visual image, increase in multiple viewing perspectives, disintegrating the surface plane, a change in concept of the page, and a loss of narrative linearity. Provides selection…

This report delineates a three-part investigation into first graders' preferences, selection rationales, and processes when choosing a picture book to own. One-hundred ninety first graders were invited to select their favorite book from among nine high-quality, well-illustrated picture books representing a variety of topics, media, and genres. In…

Library media specialist should be prepared to select books appropriate for each student's needs. In this article, the author suggests that when making selections for Spanish-Speaking ESL students, look for the following characteristics: (1) Choose books with simple, limited text and pictures on each page, (2) Select bilingual books with text in…

This article features some of the programs offered in the Reno conference. Two of the preconferences at Reno will focus on children's literature. Judy Freeman will talk about some of the current and future trends for books for younger readers. She will share a plethora of some of the best picture books and chapter books. Ruth Cox Clark will take…

Designed to provide teachers in early childhood education and other interested educators with criteria for evaluating the quality of plot, characterization, and style in picture story books, this instrument uses a set of eight criteria for evaluating these literary elements. Each criterion is followed by statements that illustrate different ways…

Discusses the development of the market for books for infants; presents reasons why even young infants can benefit from being read to; and provides guidelines for selection of appropriate books for babies. The guidelines include sturdiness and developmental appropriateness. A list of recommended books is appended. (SKC)

Reviews 49 new multicultural picture storybooks, folktale collections, and novels, drawing together both contemporary and traditional stories from peoples of color around the world. (MG)

Identifies and annotates 30 outstanding trade books published for children and adolescents that teachers recommend for curriculum use. Notes that selection criteria include books that may not be discovered by children without guidance from an educator, and books that have potential for use across the curriculum. (MG)

Offers brief annotations of 42 children's picture books which deal with patterns: natural patterns; visual patterns; patterns in mathematics, language, and folktales; patterns from the past; and reflections on students' own patterns. (SR)

Presents a list of 24 selections of poems, short stories, nonfiction, and picture books of high reader appeal and literary quality. Offers annotations of some selections. (RS)

Presents an annotated bibliography of five chapter books and five picture books published in 1998 or 1999. Summarizes the content of these works of children's literature. (SC)

Provides brief descriptions of 27 picture books and chapter books for children, from many genres, which all feature characters on journeys, often momentous ones. (SR)

Offers annotations and comments on 87 illustrated children's books about the desert and the diverse peoples of the American Southwest. (SR)

Discusses distinctive children's picture books that depict Asian fathers and other men who play significant roles in the lives of children. Books are grouped by theme, such as fairly tale versus real life, Asian immigration to North America, and discipline. Includes guidelines for selecting and evaluating books and appropriate classroom teaching…

Features 10 new books for children; furnishes information about the stories and what type of book, i.e. picture books, novels, autobiographies, etc. Gives number of pages and prices. (PA)