Approaching storytelling as a form of education, art, and communication, this article briefly chronicles the development of storytelling over the ages and explains differences in storytelling styles according to geographic location. Several classic themes recurrent in folk literature are summarized and their portrayal by different storytellers and…

Describes the educational philosophy of Nigeria and explores the role of libraries in the realization of these educational objectives. The discussion covers materials and services that libraries should offer to help promote recreational reading and encourage individual development. (21 references) (Author/CLB)

Addresses social and cultural changes of reading in Russia: (1) changes in cultural hierarchy; (2) changes in reader behavior; (3) declining importance of classic literature; and (4) rise of mass culture and its effects. Tables present information on the genre of books that were best sellers and books borrowed from Russian libraries. (JMV)

Discusses the transformation of reading and libraries in Poland due to shifts in its political and economic life since 1989. Changes include transition of publishing from a monopoly state enterprise to a market economy, and development of mass media which is threatening the disappearance of traditionalism held in public libraries. (Author/JMV)

Noting the difficulty for many parents to spend "quality time" with their children, shows parents how to get into the habit of reading with their children. Explains how to begin, where to find suitable books, how to select topics appropriate to the child's age and interests, and how to find the time in busy schedules. (TJQ)

A study of 127 French immersion students in Alberta found over two-thirds never read in French for pleasure outside school, a finding not influenced by gender, French reading achievement, or attitude towards reading in French. However, students benefitted from some methods used by teachers to stimulate reading. (51 references) (Author/MSE)

Seventeen prominent educators recommend favorite works they think all teachers should read, explaining why. The books range from science fiction to morality to Ghandi. Several are newly published, some are classics. The article concludes with a list of the recommended titles, including publishers, suggested list prices, and phone numbers for…

Shares reflections on what makes a book memorable, from teachers of all levels gathered at a "literacy club" luncheon. Discusses implications for teaching. Appends a list of 65 trade books, children's books, young adult books, poetry books, and professional books chosen as memorable by attendees at the luncheon. (SR)

Study of the effect of supplying audio tapes to accompany leisure reading books in Irish found that the tapes considerably increased native-English-speaking elementary school students' motivation to read, facilitated comprehension, and increased the children's reading rate and pronunciation accuracy. (36 references) (Author/CB)

Discusses the role of readers' advisors in public libraries based on readers' responses to open-ended, qualitative interviews on reading for pleasure. Topics discussed include how books help people, how readers choose books, what they like and dislike about fiction collections in libraries, and how libraries and librarians can be more helpful to…

Considers possible influences of technology on children and children's literature. Topics discussed include the Internet; multimedia picture books; storytelling; and the personal relationship involved when children and adults are reading together that may not be replicated with technology. (LRW)

A study of the reading competence of 25 visually impaired pupils in Sweden followed subjects from 1988 to 1991. Neither visual acuity, reading media, optical aids, nor reading distance were clearly related to reading competence. Rather, good readers were students who scored higher on verbal cognitive tests and had a greater interest in reading as…

This article discusses survey results indicating teachers are not reading books for pleasure. The benefits of having teachers who know a vast repertoire of literature are discussed, along with strategies for encouraging reading in teacher education programs, including mentioning authors in class discussions and asking students about their favorite…

Within the context of the national debate about boys' achievement in secondary schools, this article examines young people's conceptions of the success of the "Full On" magazine designed to encourage boys to read more and to challenge the negative aspects of a "lad" culture. The article begins with an analysis of the magazine, its editorial policy…

This article reports the results of a study examining the reading attitudes of the Russian people. This study also investigates the motives that guide adults in their choice of literature. Researchers have noted that two motives stand out: (1) "normative" or "pragmatic" reading (for school, exams, and reports; for carrying out…