This article discusses the benefits of using picture books with adolescent readers, describes strategies that can be taught with picture books, and provides examples of books the author has used. Some of the topics discussed include: reading comprehension, visual literacy, interactive read-aloud with facilitative talk, literary elements, and…

This project looks at the body of literature related to visual communication and the categories that emerge from the writings to develop a taxonomy of topics and some sense of the location of the most important, or at least the most frequently written about, areas of study. (Author/LRW)

An update on multimedia resources about mass media for use with students or for teachers' own information. (DD)

Argues that video courses must teach students not only to make intelligent viewing choices but to sift truth from suggestion in commercials, to avoid mindless acceptance of television's versions of appropriate sex roles, and to examine the values promoted in television programs. Suggests a number of books for media study. (MM)

Addresses the need for reading skills to sustain everyday life in the United States: definitions, the history of literate society, visual literacy as a first step to reading ability, the basic reading skills, and the use of the arts as a motivation towards reading. (JD)

Presents annotations of 29 children's books that provide multiple perspectives that range from the viewpoint of the character to stories from a culture, information garnered from extensive research, insights from history, and interpretations of art. (RS)

Discusses ways in which the integrated design of all the components of picture books can facilitate both visual and verbal literacy, allowing children to refine literary and aesthetic appreciation and improve their own expressive activity. A bibliography of well-designed picture books is provided. (16 references) (CLB)

Presents a 17-item annotated list of essential books on information design chosen by members of the InfoDesign e-mail list. Includes a 113-item unannotated bibliography of additional works, on topics of creativity and critical thinking; visual thinking; graphic design; infographics; information design; instructional design; interface design;…

Offers brief descriptions of 36 illustrated children's books that provide excellent examples of illustration and design. Groups them according to use of line, color, perspective, technique, texture, and composition and design. (SR)

Discusses importance of the ability to visualize images evoked by the written word in the development of children's skills in both reading and creative writing. Specific skills involved are noted, examples from picture books are given, and 48 picture books that would be useful to developing such skills are listed. (EM)

Reexamines the advantages of using short films in English classes, describes several effective films for classroom use, and presents a list of 150 outstanding short movies. (MM)

The 24 reviews in this article include textbooks on journalism and media studies; multimedia kits on advertising, TV news, reporting, and the "grammar" of media; resources on making ad interpreting films in the classroom; supplements on writing for both print and nonprint media; and professional references on improving visual literacy. (Editor)

Offers a definition of visual literacy and outlines ideas for library activities that could help adults or students develop visual skills, highlighting materials, hardware, software, and programs. An annotated list of 59 print and nonprint resources (films, kits, books, teacher resources) is included. (EJS)

Suggests that films and videos enhance the English curriculum and makes students critical users of visual media. Seven strategies for using film and video in the classroom or media center are offered. Twelve highly recommended video series (most with teacher guides) are listed by elementary, middle, and high school level. Vendor information is…

Discusses graphic novels and visual literacy and notes the increases in the graphic novels budget at Downers Grove (Illinois) Public Library. Outlines seven steps to developing a graphics collection. Sidebars highlight popular titles, award-winners, and Web sites for librarians just learning about graphic novels. (AEF)