Given the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of the United States, an important part of citizenship education is helping children learn how to engage respectfully and dialogically with people whose beliefs and ways of life may differ significantly from their own. Such engagement is necessary for peaceful co-existence, as well as in the…

Fantasy stories allow children to stretch their imaginations and slip into a make-believe world. Several books that are unusual but credible are described. (DF)

Considers how both the device and John Masefield's book called "The Box of Delights" construct a vision of childly imagination by playing with genre and through the use of myth and magic. Considers how magic is a plot maneuver, but is more profoundly a metaphor for the child making sense of the world. (SG)

Discusses the role of imagination in Chinese culture and literature. Notes that Chinese children's literature has begun to deviate from themes of obedience and conformity, instead emphasizing themes of imagination and initiative. Lists several traditional Chinese stories translated into English. (MM)

Comments on the ability of fantasy to evoke images, the validity of fantasy, and influence of fantasy. (DD)

Presents anecdotes that support the argument that detailed illustrations in children's books foster, rather than stifle, children's imaginations; discusses several of the author's book illustrations to show how details were used to open up the reader to the artist's personal world. (GT)

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)

Examines the possibly factual origins of several elements of fantasy literature, including giants, dwarfs and goblins, fairies, talking animals, and the ability to transform beings into other shapes. (HTH)

Presents brief annotations of 40 children's books that explore imagination through play; the arts; other people's experiences; life in the past; real people, places, and events; imaginary journeys; and the power of imagination. (SR)

Notes that many reports on children's books employ the word "imaginative" or "imagination," but few relate it to fantasy, suggesting that it was not the genre that determined this label, but rather the talent, insight, and craft with which the author shaped the material. (HOD)

Argues that the story's two themes--a celebration of artistic creativity and a ringing denunciation of prejudice--are closely related through their reliance on the importance of imagination, both artistic and moral. Employs recent work in moral theory to analyze the way in which the resolution of Estes's story turns on the characters' growth in…

Notes negative responses of contemporary Americans to fantasy literature. Notes that as the prejudice against fantasy literature diminished, more American children's authors began working in this area. Suggests that perhaps the real reason so many Americans have attempted to suppress fantasy literature for children is because they fear the…

Based on the premise that educators are vitally interested in literary moments that engage the reader instantly, this paper discusses books that provide enjoyment for children. After suggesting that the most important "basics" are those that promote an exploration of language through literature, the paper notes the importance of good literature…

Discusses and deplores two recent assaults on alleged sexism, racism, and prejudice against the handicapped in children's literary classics; states the author's agreement with another author's belief that people cannot legislate their literary heritage without wiping out most of the world's literature. (GT)

Argues that reading is a creative act of the individual imagination. Notes that, instead of recognizing that reading requires children to make something new, to take a leap, writers of children's literature are often tempted to make reading easy. (RS)