Celebrates the power of literature and the joy it brings to readers' lives. Presents annotations of 30 children's books (most published in 2002 or 2003) that can be experienced orally, aurally, visually, dramatically, emotionally, and responsively. (SG)

Notes that literature about people from the past allows readers to experience vicariously another time and place. Proposes that readers might discover that the actions of people in the past or present may influence the future. Presents annotations of 30 children's books which deal with special characters of the past or present in the categories of…

Notes the ability to imagine is considered the gift of authors and illustrators whose books inspire readers. Highlights 38 works of children's literature that show how imagination can inform and excite both readers and characters. Concludes that through creative envisioning, poets, authors, and llustrators propel readers to relate the familiar to…

Presents annotations of 32 works of children's literature that invite consideration of the wondrous possibilities of literature in the reading curriculum--from reading aloud to time set aside for independent reading, from focused instruction using paired and shared reading to engagement through book discussions, and from using literature to learn…

Discusses Linda Sue Park, the 2002 Newbery Medal winner, and includes excerpts of an interview with her. Notes that her diverse writing career began at an early age. Discusses writing Korean "historicals" and researching her other books. Identifies mentors as an important characteristic of both her life and work. (PM)

Discusses David Wiesner, the 2002 Caldecott Medal Winner, and includes excerpts of an interview with him. Notes that Wiesner's books appeal to the imagination and often use art elements such as scale. Details the winning book, "The Three Pigs." (PM)

Explores children's books that serve as bridges for readers: bridges across places, time periods, cultures, generations, belief systems, and forms of expression. Annotates 31 books. (PM)

Presents thoughts of David Small about his recent Caldecott Medal Award for the most distinguished picture book art from the book, "So You Want to Be President?" (SG)

Presents an interview with Richard Peck. Notes that Peck was candid about his life and craft as a writer, offering glimpses into the creation of his work and the story behind his receipt of the Newbery Medal. Looks back at a life that led him to become a writer and provides insight into what his readers might expect from future projects. (SG)

Suggests that literature can serve as "spectacles" for readers by inviting them to encounter real and imagined characters, events, and circumstances from long ago. Presents annotations of 32 books on the topics of living in the past, journeying across time, creating a legacy, transforming literature from old and new, and anticipating the future.…

Presents annotations of 30 works of children's literature focusing on themes such as the creative process, dreams, hopes and goals, leadership, taking action, and the vision of self. Considers authors that began by taking a good, hard look at the world they live in, then considered how to make it a better place. (SG)

Presents annotations of 29 children's books that provide multiple perspectives that range from the viewpoint of the character to stories from a culture, information garnered from extensive research, insights from history, and interpretations of art. (RS)

Invites readers to extend the metaphor of roots and flowers to include all relationships--from those we are born into to those we choose. Considers that all relationships involve give and take, with some resulting in warm feelings and understanding, and others ending up frayed and worn thin. Presents annotations of 30 works of children's…

Presents annotations of 30 works of children's literature that support the topic of technology and its influences on readers' daily lives. Notes some stories tell about a time when simple tools enabled individuals to accomplish tasks, and others feature visionaries who used technology to create buildings, bridges, roads, and inventions. Considers…

Discusses 30 books that reflect the heart and soul of school--children, teachers, and principals. Organizes the categories by grade-level groupings, relationships with teachers and principals, and universal school experiences. (SG)