This study illustrates the presence of Mock Spanish in some English-based picture books and the ways this usage misrepresents Latino people, language, and culture. The author conducted a critical content analysis of five Skippyjon Jones books. Her guiding question was, How is language used, particularly Spanish, in these English texts, and what…

Children's literature can broaden and enhance readers' views of themselves and others. When children's literature from abroad as well as from the United States is incorporated into the literacy practices of a first grade class, the potential exists to widen the children's perspectives of the world and build insights about others. Additionally…

Quality multicultural literature offers readers opportunities to read about characters from various cultures, lands, and background. There are many talented authors, such as Deborah Ellis, who have added to the wide range of multicultural literature available for today's youth. Through her books, Ellis immerses readers in cultures and societies…

This article profiles South African author Dianne Case, whose works are herein recommended to American children to gain a sense of what life was and, in some respects, still is like for many people in that country. Themes surrounding apartheid that pervade Case's stories echo many of her own life experiences. Case asserts that although young…

This article describes the task of creating a list of books that will awaken in readers a desire to know more about the world and those who share it. The author was part of a committee assigned this task in 2005 at the Children's Book Council (CBC) and the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) to compile the first annual…

The quest to explain the extreme realism found in some Newbery Award books led the authors to discover that there is no unified view of childhood affecting children's literature today. While some adults feel that children must be protected against the evil surrounding them, others feel that they must be prepared to face the world in which they…

Presents background information about the field of international children's literature globally and nationally in hopes of encouraging those who work with children to investigate this rich body of literature. Discusses how international stories teach children about their peers in other lands, because they bring the people, history, and traditions…

Describes the author's experience sharing picture books with children from different countries while she absorbed the stories, language, and culture. Discusses the recent emergence and popularity of the picture book with its polysemic nature, interdependency of picture and text, universality of themes, and its potential to speak across nations.…

Presents an interview with Philip Lee of Lee and Low Books about his experience in the specialized field committed solely to publishing books about Asian Americans and other diverse cultures in the United States. Discusses how the future of multicultural literature depends upon the concern and advocacy of interested individuals. (SC)

Discusses various issues related to translated books. Provides five points for selection criteria and 46 annotated titles of well-translated literature for students at primary, intermediate, and middle-school levels. Discusses how an increased interest in international books reflects the result of reducing political barriers among nations and the…

Presents a 10-item annotated bibliography of unfamiliar international novels and picture books set in contemporary times. Considers how international books offer children in the United States an opportunity to read the best texts and view the best illustrations of books published abroad. Seeks to balance representation across various countries and…

Presents Arbuthnot Award winner Ronald Jobe discussing his career specialization in international children's literature. Relates some events of his Canadian childhood that shaped his interest in children's books. Discusses his involvement in children's literature organizations and current issues in international children's literature. Suggests how…