Discusses three modern variations of the classic "Frog Prince" folk tale: "Pondlarker" (Fred Gwynne); "The Frog Prince Continued" (Jon Scieszka); and "The Prince of the Pond" (Donna Jo Napoli). Notes that these variants create a world in which frogs can have values, wisdom, and emotion, and in which frogs can influence the ways of humanity. (RS)

Discusses 10 works of children's literature that inspired powerful responses and conversations among students in children's literature classes. Notes a myriad of responses (not only as to content but to levels of meaning as well) among the students. (RS)

Examines student responses to four versions of the Noah's Ark tale. Finds that the second- and fourth-grade children were interested in talking about the visuals in picture books. Notes a wide range in the amount of writing children did in response to the art, and that the written products were far less skilled and spirited than the discussion.…

Discusses Rudine Sims Bishop's allegory of "window and mirrors" in relation to multicultural children's literature. Notes that Sims insists that children need to be involved with literature which not only allows them to see through the window to the world around them, but also to see themselves mirrored in the texts with which they come into…

Discusses a Master Class at the 1996 meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English on the topic of alternative methods of teaching children's literature. Discusses presentations by Rudine Sims Bishop, Jon Stott, and Kathy Short. (RS)