Features books for all readers, emergent and proficient, demonstrating the various ways language of story appears within genre and format. Describes approximately 40 books that address literature such as: poetry; bridging books; intermediate chapter books; novels; informational books; and picture books. (SG)

Suggests that literature can serve as "spectacles" for readers by inviting them to encounter real and imagined characters, events, and circumstances from long ago. Presents annotations of 32 books on the topics of living in the past, journeying across time, creating a legacy, transforming literature from old and new, and anticipating the…

Lists and discusses 37 works of children's literature, and categorizes the books by disciplines (science, math, language arts, geography, history, and fine arts) as a reminder of the growing place for literature in all areas of the curriculum and the role it plays in fostering children's desire to know and learn. (SG)

Presents annotations of 31 works of children's literature addressing feeling a sense of place, discovering a place, creating a place, noting how places present obstacles, and setting out for new places. Lists 7 books about Jazz with related Web sites and lists 7 other books that address familial relationships. (SG)

Offers brief descriptions of 38 illustrated children's books that embody the notion of summer days spent traveling, discovering, inquiring, adventuring, or having fun. (SR)

Honors the pleasures of childhood as depicted in literature written especially for children. Presents annotations of 32 titles incorporating ideas such as: readers as investigators, characters as detectives, characters readers, fun and games, and tickling the funny bone. (SG)

Presents annotations of 30 works of children's literature that support the topic of technology and its influences on readers' daily lives. Notes some stories tell about a time when simple tools enabled individuals to accomplish tasks, and others feature visionaries who used technology to create buildings, bridges, roads, and inventions. Considers…

Offers brief annotations of 38 illustrated children's books that explore the concept of characterization and how it is achieved through both text and illustration. Organizes the books in terms of: memorable characters; characters who take risks; strong female characters; legendary characters; and characters with insight. Discusses briefly 3…

Presents brief descriptions of 36 children's books (published in 1999 and 2000), organized around the theme of the various ways readers respond to text and illustration. Presents the books in the following categories: questioning "who am I?"; interaction; interpreting the world; gaining insight; assuming responsibility; and taking action and…

Interviews children's author and illustrator Rosemary Wells. Discusses writing and illustration as a "gift"; writing as a lonely profession; collaborating with others; researching and writing historical fiction; illustrating Mother Goose rhymes; and her recent endeavor to encourage parents to read to their children, called "Read to…

Presents an interview with Simms Taback, winner of the 2000 Caldecott Award for his children's book illustrations. Discusses Taback's career as a graphic artist and children's book illustrator. Discusses intricate details and clever nuances in "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat," a warm and humorous tale proving that you can always make…

Presents two interviews: one a conversation with illustrator and Caldecott Medal winner Mary Azarian (Illustrator of the 1999 Caldecott Medal book, "Snowflake Bentley"); and a conversation with author Louis Sachar, author of the 1999 Newbery Medal book, "Holes." (SR)

Presents thoughts of David Small about his recent Caldecott Medal Award for the most distinguished picture book art from the book, "So You Want to Be President?" (SG)

Discusses David Wiesner, the 2002 Caldecott Medal Winner, and includes excerpts of an interview with him. Notes that Wiesner's books appeal to the imagination and often use art elements such as scale. Details the winning book, "The Three Pigs." (PM)

Presents annotations of about 30 children's books focusing on visual creativity, creative expression, creative response, creative inquiry, creating a vision, and creative problem solving. Features books that focus on creativity, imagination, and innovation. (SG)