As art objects, picturebooks have the potential to contribute to readers' aesthetic development. Many scholars and practitioners have recognized how using picturebooks with older students can augment their reading motivation and extend their understanding of visual elements of art and design, as well as develop their literacy, language, and…

The author analyzes two texts, Gloria Whelan's "Homeless Bird" and Deborah Ellis's "Parvana's Journey", in an attempt to explain some of the problems and difficulties associated with those texts. The author examines Whelan's representations of India and finds troubling binaries associated with that text. In comparison, the…

Children's responses to illustrations and poetry are often determined by the ability of the poet and artist to grasp one another's creative intent. (HOD)

Argues that most anthologies of poetry are discouraging to children and suggests better ways of getting them involved with verse. (HOD)

Examines the influence of abstract art on children's book illustration and considers the child's response. (HOD)

Suggests that first impressions are a vital element in the reading process and offers illustrations from the journal of a 15-year-old student. (MKM)

Relates the viewpoints of child readers with respect to authors, narrators, illustrations,and text. Asserts that children can grasp the concept of author well before age five and that, for the child, the author "lives." (PRA)

Reports on the responses of children in Northern Ireland to "The Twelfth Day of July" by Joan Lingard, a contemporary novel set in their own country. (HOD)

Discusses the differences in origin and content to the stories of Aesop and the brothers Grimm. (HOD)

Nine writers reflect on what it is like to talk with their readers in schools. One theme prevails: the importance of face-to-face encounters to the writers as well as the readers. (HOD)

Focuses on research projects involving readers up to adolescence, which found that reading material and attitudes of young people correspond to social classes. (HOD)

Discusses how "The Butter Battle Book" by Dr. Seuss can be used to introduce the moral issue of war to young children. Studies the written responses of 1,187 children in grades kindergarten to 6 to the story. Notes that only the fourth- through sixth-grade students (who felt themselves beyond Dr. Seuss) understood the allegorical nature…

Describes poetry programs presented to children by a troupe of performers who incorporated music, humor, and audience response in their performances. Lists qualities of the shows that contributed to their success with children. (HOD)

Discusses how children evaluate the books they read, the criteria they employ, and how their ability to judge develops. (HOD)

Describes imaginative ways to teach "A Wizard of Earthsea," a fantasy novel by Ursula LeGuin, with teaching time limited to one hour a week for six weeks. (HOD)