Since the early 2010s, there has been a proliferation of new platforms for children's stories (e.g. storybook apps or iBooks), but not necessarily greater diversity of story content or children's greater interest in reading. This article argues for a new approach to address the apparent paradox of a wider availability of children's literature…

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,…

This author tells readers "Encourage your students to explore their own interests with their summer reading picks. There is no question of the value of summer reading. We want our students, whatever their reading level, to continue to develop and maintain their literacy skills." She therefore would urge teachers not to assign a limited…

Begins an examination of dragons in literature, particularly in the works of J.R.R. Tolkein, K. Grahame, E. Nesbit, J. Yolen, U. Le Guin, and A. McCaffrey. (CRH)

Discusses the 1985 American Booksellers' Convention in San Francisco and the growing proliferation of children's bookstores. (EL)

Examines the increasing demand for baby books for the children of "baby boomers." Discusses subjects and authors of board books. (EL)

The winner of the l985 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in the category of board books explains that the photographs in her book "1, 2, 3" are truly international. (EL)

Identifies the qualities in DeJong's children's books that make them equal to adult books in the depth of emotion they cover. (CRH)

Reviews K.M. Peyton's novel as worthwhile reading despite some dated plot contrivances. (CRH)

Rivers play a vital role in the life of the planet. They provide water for wildlife, plant life, and people, and they help to fertilize fields where corn and other crops grow. But how were these rivers made? This children's book takes readers/students on a journey down a river from its source at the top of a mountain to its mouth where it meets…

Reflects on childhood memories of reading a number of books by Leo Edwards and Margaret Pedler. (EL)

Reviews at length books for younger readers dealing with animals such as hippopottami and opossums. Also reviews books on mosses and plant pathology. (CRH)

Countless acres of grasslands stretch across the American West. Centuries ago, bison roamed the range freely and lived off the grass. By the 19th century, herds of cattle grazed the same land. Over time, much of the original grassland was either plowed and planted or trampled to dust, causing the topsoil to dry up and blow away. Today many…

There is a need for less didacticism, more story, and less programming in children's literature. (AN)

This annotated bibliography of books published chiefly during 1989 contains a selection of picture books, fiction, and nonfiction designed to appeal to children, stimulate their imaginations, and meet their needs for information. Approximately 100 books are annotated and arranged first by age group and then alphabetically by title. Approximately…