This column presents a brief description of Candace Fleming's book, "Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!" (Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Atheneum, 2002), a perfect book to share with young children about the joy and frustrations of gardening. In the book, Mr. McGreely, who has dreamed of having a garden all of his own for years, is forced to find a number of…

This article presents a brief biography of author Beverly Cleary. Born on April 12, 1916 in McMinnville, Oregon (Yamhill County), Beverly Cleary celebrated her eighty-ninth birthday in 2005. Cleary is probably best known for creating "Ramona" and the other children's book characters who live on Klickitat Street in Portland, Oregon. A selective…

Discusses the award-winning book "Bud, Not Buddy" written by Christopher Paul Curtis. Lists different versions of the book; suggests learning activities; lists sources for biographical information and interviews with Curtis, teacher guides, professional articles, and other Depression era novels; and provides a citation for the author's…

Discusses the life and works of Beatrix Potter. Suggests ideas for related extension activities and provides an annotated bibliography, including books in the Peter Rabbit series; selected publications based on the Peter Rabbit series; Web resources; books about Beatrix Potter; and additional print resources. (LRW)

This column describes the book, "The Tarantula Scientist," that features the work of arachnologist Sam Marshall, a scientist who studies spiders and their eight-legged relatives. Marshall is one of only four or five scientists who specializes in the study of tarantulas. The informative text and outstanding photographs follow Sam as he…

Relates an interview with Will Hillenbrand, a children's book illustrator, and provides an annotated list of books he has illustrated, written, and contributed to. Discusses his mentors, favorite childhood books, differences in style, getting ideas, and how being a father has influenced his work; and includes extension ideas for learning…

Discusses Children's Book Week and the winners for 2002 of the Newberry Award, Newberry honor books, Caldecott Award, and other book awards. Suggests activities for the various books that were recipients of the awards. (LRW)

Provides a list of Patricia Polacco's books that feature her signature artwork. Includes ideas for activities to extend the books into the classroom or library media center. Also lists related information sources about Polacco's life and work including Web sites. (LRW)

Discusses the work of children's author Alma Flor Ada, a Cuban native who has won awards honoring Latino writers and illustrators. Includes part of an interview that explores her background, describes activity ideas, and presents a bibliography of works written by her (several title published in both English and Spanish) as well as sources of…

Reports on the career of Theodor Seuss Geisel and suggests activities to celebrate his birthday. Lists selected children's books by Dr. Seuss, selected Seuss videos, Web sites, biographical resources, and biographical videos. (LRW)

Established in 1969, the Coretta Scott King Awards, given by the American Library Association were established to honor African American authors and illustrators. Presents nine activities to promote awareness of Coretta Scott King, the Coretta Scott King Awards, and the lives and works of past award winners. Lists and describes winners and honors…

Discusses the life of Ezra Jack Keats in relation to his children's books, both as illustrator and author. Presents extension ideas for activities and includes an annotated bibliography of his works, including videos based on Keats's work, biographies, biographical information, and Web resources. (LRW)

Since 1977, the National Council of the Teachers of English (NCTE) has awarded 10 poets with NCTE's Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. A list of the winners in order by date is provided, along with a selected list of their works. Ideas for poetry extension projects follow the annotated bibliography. (Author/AEF)

Describes the life of Steven Kellogg, a children's book illustrator and writer. Includes extension ideas for school library media center activities related to his works and presents a selected annotated bibliography in chronological order, videos, and biographical information. (LRW)

Discusses the classic children's book "The Snowman," by Raymond Briggs, and lists connections to the book in different formats; extension ideas; other picture books that feature snow; information books about snow; videos; a CD-ROM; Web sites related to the book; and Web sites with information about snow. (LRW)