This column examines research studies that foster children to explore the relationship between text and images. The collaboration of an engaging picturebook and a good teacher unlocks rich discussion and interaction among the students. Through visual literacy, children are active participants while making meaning and strong connections. The cited…

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)

Examines Walt Disney's formula for reducing children's literature to mass entertainment, as well as the liberties he took in interpreting the literature on which he based his animated films. (HTH)

Examines the ways Bruno Bettelheim's "The Uses of Enchantment" may be used to teach children's literature and the effectiveness of Bettelheim's method of psychoanalytical criticism as a means of understanding fairy tales. (DD)

Notes that fantasy and fairy tales are frequent targets of censorship attempts. Provides a defense against such attacks, by offering an answer (perhaps a challenge) to each of the major objections to fantasy stories. (SR)

Focuses on spinoffs and extensions of familiar literature like fairy tales and folk tales to show examples of extended language play. Reviews 25 books and lists 18 additional books in this category. (MG)

Presents the value of stories, especially fairy tales, as ways of both tutoring and expressing the imaginative and intuitive side of the personality. (DD)

Fairy tales and folk stories which deal with transformations are valuable elements in the language arts curriculum. (DD)