Children's literature provides enjoyment, entertainment, creativity, understanding of self, and the ability to reason. In reading a book aloud, the teacher should encourage children to ask questions and to relate incidents that have happened to them that parallel those in the book. Unfamiliar words can be discussed by using a beginning dictionary with bright pictures. Once read, the stories can be turned into paintings, puppet shows, dramatic play, or music. Caution must be exercised, however, since words and phrases are frequently interpreted at their most literal meaning. Children from third through intermediate grades will see humor in some books, while preschool and primary school aged students may actually believe the concept as stated. Childhood stories can also be the medium for turning fearful shadows into recognizable and familiar shapes. Wordless picture books allow complete freedom for creating individual stories and for expansion of the child's vocabulary. (HOD)