To develop a love of reading in the young, teachers need rich repertoires of children's literature and other texts. However, the significance of this subject knowledge is rarely given the attention it deserves in policy, practice, or training contexts. This article, drawing on survey data from England and Finland, underlines these concerns. It…

During the Second World War, Nordic countries witnessed a large-scale displacement of the population as around 70,000 Finnish children were evacuated to other Nordic countries. While up to 15,000 of them did not return to Finland, the majority travelled back, carrying multiple ruptures in their close relationships: first from their biological…

This study investigates the physical literacy environment of preschools in three Nordic countries. The environments were assessed using an observation protocol in a total of 131 classrooms with children aged between one and seven in Sweden, Norway and Finland. The results showed that children's books were common and accessible in all three…

As the pedagogy of teachers depends partly on their earlier life experiences, investigating the prior reading practices of student teachers is crucial. This study investigated Finnish and English student teachers' (N = 353) own reading, the importance of their own reading to their reading pedagogy, and the relationship of these to teachers'…

This book critiques dominant discourses and debates pertaining to values education, cultural identity and teaching democracy, set against the backdrop of growing social stratification and unequal access to quality education. It addresses discourses concerning globalisation, ideologies and the state, as well as approaches to values education and…

Learning materials have become significant determinants of quality learning environments for young children. This study presents an example of such learning material in the Finnish context -- a children's book entitled: "Bibi muuttaa Suomeen" (translated: "Bibi Moves to Finland") by Katja Kallio and Maggie Lindholm (2005). The…

Literature supports children's literacy growth in many ways. It helps children extend their understanding and clarify different situations in their lives, recognize and deal with feelings, and be more empathetic. Hands-on activities based on stories support children in giving shape to their thoughts. These creative activities not only empower the…

This article examines anti-racist strategies employed in Finnish children's literature. The examples from four stories illustrate that certain physical characteristics and cultural markers can become strong signifiers of nationality, that is Finnishness. The characters in these stories have to cope with experiences of exclusion and loneliness…

Noting that theatre for young people in Europe is much more aggressive in seeking to influence the attitudes and ideas of audiences than that of the United States, this paper examines the political and social trends occurring in children's theatre in four European countries. Following an introduction to this trend toward "educational…

Discusses influence of Finnish Institute for Children's Literature (SNI) on writing, illustrating, translating, and marketing of children's books in Finland, and notes efforts of Finnish Section of International Board on Books for Young People to make children's literature and connected research better known to public. Publications of SNI are…

Makes a case for dialogic translation, a process in which the translator anticipates the response of the child reader, listens to the reader, and reaches out to the child. This process contrasts with the view that the only way to translate well is to reproduce the original text as faithfully as possible. (NH)

Reports on the work of three nominees for the 1992 Andersen medal, awarded to recognize a body of work that has made a lasting contribution to children's literature. Discusses the work of Finnish author Hannu Makela; Argentinian writer, poet, and singer Maria Elena Walsh; and the Iranian author Hooshang Moradi Kermani. (RS)

Discusses a project that included the production of a specially designed book and its dissemination through a national network of maternal care centers to every child born in Finland. (AEA)

Each of the 6 separate books in this series for juveniles introduces students to an ancient culture still in existence today. The illustrated guides examine the challenges facing each cultural group from contemporary social, political, and technological influences. The books in the series include: (1) Kurds (John King); (2) Native Americans (James…