The wordless picture book is a valued but underused resource for young children, beginning literacy students, and for proficient readers. A survey of teachers indicated that three problems exist: (1) few wordless picture books are available in library collections; (2) teachers do not know how to select quality wordless books; and (3) few teachers…

Picture books can be used effectively in the classroom in all content areas and at all grade levels. They can supply an almost unending supply of ideas and fit into many content area's teaching strategies because they are short enough to read and use in a class period. When considering the selection of a picture book that is appropriate for use in…

Discusses the importance of using picture books to encourage development of gender role equity. Provides guidelines for selection of children's literature with capable female characters. Includes examples from recently published picture books. Presents discussion questions that teachers might use to help students focus on female character…

Discusses the advantages of using wordless books in language arts instruction. Suggests several activities to use in conjunction with wordless books, including composing oral stories, dramatizations, and oral reports. Recommends several wordless books, providing publishing information and a brief description of each. (MM)

Present brief annotations of 53 children's picture books that reflect the multiple ways of knowing through which children can create and share meaning with others. (SR)

Presents annotations of 26 humorous children's picture books and chapter books. (RS)

Offers brief descriptions of 24 informational books for children which educate, entertain, and explore the world from a number of different perspectives. Groups books into three broad categories: the natural world around us; people and their endeavors; and other times/other places. (SR)

Discusses in detail 10 books selected as the best children's poetry published in the 1980s, as well as 6 others receiving honorable mention. Appends a suggested reading list of 21 picture books, 53 single-author collections, and 25 anthologies. (SR)

Reviews and annotates 30 children's books which were chosen by teachers who found them to be exceptional in curriculum use. Groups the books into primary, intermediate, and advanced levels. (MG)

Explains how children's literature (particularly illustrated tradebooks) makes its way into basal anthologies. Sets an implicit standard for reviewing and selecting such anthologies. (RS)

Examines the images, both negative and positive, of farm workers in 27 children's picture books. Offers strategies for critical reading. Surveys children's picture books in which a farm setting is integral to plot, character development, or theme. Includes only those books published within the last 10 years. (SG)

The act of reading a well-written book to students is one of the easiest writing lessons a library media specialist can give. When kids hear new or unusual words and descriptive, poignant phrases, it increases their own experimentation with writing. Using good literature to develop good writers just makes sense. There are a plethora of avenues and…

Using literature in science instruction has the potential to increase student motivation and to improve student achievement in both literacy and science. The process of identifying high-quality picture books, however, can be challenging and time consuming for teachers. The authors identified 74 science-based picture books from the annual Teachers'…

The Children's Book Council of Australia's (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards for 2001 include a new category--Book of the Year: Early Childhood. This category was introduced because some contemporary picture books are for mature readers, and it was recognized that books for young children were often being overlooked. This guide explores books in all…

Offers an annotated list of books recommended for young readers (ages six to eight), intermediate readers (ages nine to twelve), and older readers (ages twelve through young adult). (HOD)