The Kent State University School of Library and Information Science serves as the home for two children's literature special collections. The Reinberger Children's Library Center is located on the third floor of Kent State's University Library and includes the Marantz Picturebook Collection for the Study of Picturebook Art. The Reinberger…

This article give a brief biography of Mercer Mayer, best known for the Little Critter books, which have a long history as bestsellers in the children's book publishing field. A selected bibliography, as well as a list of related resources, is also provided.

This column presents a brief biography of author Jan Brett. According to Jan Brett's official webpage, there have been more than twenty-eight million of her books printed. Her titles can always be found on the best-selling children's book author/illustrator lists. Brett is one of the most beloved and recognized children's book illustrators and is…

This column presents a brief biography of illustrator Stephen Gammell, well-known for both his black-and-white and his brightly colored children's picture book art. Stephen Gammell has made a long career illustrating children's stories and poems. The first book he illustrated, "A Nutty Business" (written by Ida Chittum), was published in 1973 and…

This article presents a brief biography of Judith Viorst, best known for her children's picture books and poetry. Viorst's well-known and most unforgettable character Alexander was based on her youngest son. Alexander was featured by name in the title of three of Viorst's picture books. In fact, Viorst often has used her family life to provide…

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 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)

Provides background information on award-winning illustrator of children's books, Jerry Pinkney, recipient of three Caldecott Honor Medals and lists sources of biographical information. Suggests learning activities and includes an annotated bibliography of selected books illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. (AEF)

Highlights the career and work of James Stevenson, author and illustrator of children's books. Presents suggestions for extension activities. Includes a selected annotated bibliography of his picture books, titles from some of his series, autobiographical picture books, illustrations, poetry, and fiction, as well as books about James Stevenson.…

Reports on an interview with Angela Johnson, winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award, whose work centers on the themes of family love and the connections between generations, especially in African American families. Suggests activities related to her books and includes a selected bibliography. (LRW)

Suggests activities for students that focus on airplanes, famous pilots, and travel. Provides a list of suggested titles with the following topics: history of flight and airplanes; airplanes and flying information; paper and model airplanes; Charles Lindbergh; Amelia Earhart; the Wright Brothers; videos; and picture books. (AEF)

Suggests activities to acquaint students with the author Cynthia Rylant and includes a bibliography of most of her writing in the categories of: picture books, first readers, fiction and short stories for intermediate and young adult readers, nonfiction, poetry, board books, and related videos. Also included are citations for professional book…

Provides ideas for activities related to gardening and growing things for elementary school media centers and classrooms. An annotated list of 49 age-appropriate sources of information, including 10 picture books, 5 audio-visual aids, and 2 adult books, is provided. (LRW)

Eve Bunting is an award-winning author of 167 books for children and young adults. After a series of interview questions and responses, activities are suggested to accompany several Bunting picture books. (AEF)

A professor in the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University (Ohio) compiled a bibliography of Ohio children's literature. A list of sources is provided with the following topics: general Ohio information; professional resources; journals; picture books; fiction; maps, posters, puzzles; and audiovisual materials. (AEF)