In the last twenty years, the teaching of reading in Britain has moved away from an interest in how children take delight in, and make meaning of, their literature to a preoccupation with a mechanistic approach to literacy which breaks down texts into bite-sized chunks and fragments reading into a series of isolated skills. Although an expensive,…

Finds that "Three Little Pigs" shows children what the world is like--depicting the conflict of choice, etc. Examines different versions of the tale and questions students about text differences. Gives questions for stimulating student response. (PA)

States that 1998 marks the 70th anniversary of Wanda Gag's picture book, "Millions of Cats" and that Wanda considered herself an artist rather than a writer of children's books. Recounts events in her early life; discusses why her book became a classic. Lists seven classic elements in the book and seven questions for stimulating student response.…