Discusses characters in books that are portrayed as oddball, or different from their peers, and are therefore misunderstood and often mistreated and ostracized. Suggests activities for elementary and middle school students based on books and films that include oddball characters. (LRW)

Addresses the theme of redemption and examines characters who try to make things right in literature and film. Reviews six books and two films and suggests creative activities for middle school students that tie in with the works cited. (LRW)

Discusses children's fantasies about running away and describes children's books and films that address those feelings. Includes suggestions for creative activities for younger children and middle grade students, including puppets, plays, illustrated maps, and role playing. (LRW)

Discusses various encounters children may have that leave lasting impressions, including encounters with animals or natural elements in general, those with people that evolve into friendship or tension, and fantasy encounters. Examples are given from films and literature, and sample creative activities involving encounters are suggested for…

Presents short descriptions of six "curious places" in children's books and films. Describes sample creative class activities for younger and middle grade children to engage in after listening to selected stories. Activities include creating drawings, stories, flip books, and picture books; role-playing; and developing an imaginary town.…

Discusses children's tastes in music and reviews children's books that have music as a theme. Presents a creative activities sampler for younger and older children as well as a list of resources, including books and films. (LRW)

Describes funny characters in children's books and films, including humorous children, adults, and animal characters. Considers younger children and middle grade and older children and suggests library media center activities for various age groups. (LRW)

Discusses the theme of morning from the perspective of children. Provides several passages and describes stories from children's books that deal with the subject. Discusses the benefits of morning activities and routines, as well as morning journeys and exploration. Presents a creative activities sampler and print and film resources. (AEF)

Discusses the theme of snitching, or tattling, in literature and films as well as in school life. Considers what motivates behavior, when tattling is appropriate, and historical examples such as the McCarthy era and the Nazis. Provides ideas for creative learning activities for elementary school, middle school, and high school students. (LRW)

Discusses the personal and subjective nature of humor and considers ways that children respond to humor in literature and films. Suggests activities for school library media specialists to use with specific books that are humorous, including group discussions, individualized writings, and examining illustrations. (LRW)

Discusses yearnings in film and children's literature. Lists several questions about film and book characters' yearnings that can guide discussion and class activities. Presents sample creative activities with yearning as a theme. Lists book and videotape resources. (AEF)

Explores the theme of "entrances" in children's literature and film from the physical, emotional, and symbolic perspectives. Materials containing each type of theme are suggested. Programming ideas for developing the theme using art, storytelling, dramatic play, and creative writing activities are provided. A resource list including 91…

Discusses books and films that have themes relating to water that are suitable for elementary school children and suggests activities that can be used to complement them, including writing and designing exhibits. Materials from various cultural backgrounds are suggested, and a list of 62 books and 5 films is provided. (LRW)