This article explores Vygtosky's (1978) notion of the imaginary situation through analysis of interaction and activity in a Fifth Dimension after-school setting, one of a network of programs designed with an aim to realize developmental concepts proposed by Vygotsky and others in the cultural-historical tradition (see, e.g., Cole & 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)

In a study of hearing and deaf children's (8-13 years old) identification with neutrally presented animal characters, hearing students (N=59) made more masculine associations than did hearing impaired students (N=23), and males had more masculine scores than females. (Author/CL)

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

An annotated listing of picture storybooks, realistic fiction, and fanciful fiction. (RL)

Describes a method aimed at teaching students to trust their imaginations and channel their fantasies toward purposeful ends. (RB)

Looks at several examples of children's literature involving fantasy to discover how various authors handle "inmost secrets," such as characters conversing with ghosts and animals. (FL)

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)

Discusses the use of tea parties to stimulate children to use their creativity to plan, organize, and think about the materials they would need. Considers the use of riddles and gives examples of tea parties from literature, including fantasy books. (LRW)

Maurice Sendak, illustrator of over 60 books (including 10 he has written), was interviewed by Virginia Haviland, head of the library of Congress Children's Book Section. Topics discussed in this interview include: Sendak's own reaction to books as a child; the role fantasy plays in the lives of children and adults; the recurring symbol in…

Encouraging children to create imaginary worlds through writing provides them with ways of coping with the world in which they live, gives them the satisfaction of creating order and experiencing success, and prompts their natural inclinations to plan for a better future. In addition, such planning for utopias can both improve the quality of…

Introducing children to fantasy literature allows them to safely explore the problems and joys of being human. (JH)

People may be overreacting when they condemn all violence in children's literature. (MF)

Reviews L. Leslie Brooke's Johnny Crow picture books. Finds them still delightful after more than 70 years. (FL)

Reviews the works of children's author M. B. Goffstein. Discusses her use of the theme of friendship. (FL)