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ERIC Number: EJ720764
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Mar
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0889-9371
EISSN: N/A
The Frederick Principle: Values in Children's Books
Lickteig, Mary J.; Danielson, Kathy Everts
School Library Media Activities Monthly, v21 n7 p24-25, 50 Mar 2005
Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated a picture book called "Frederick," which was published in 1967. Still in print in 2003, this animal fable features a field mouse (Frederick) and deals with many issues of economics. It is autumn, winter is approaching, and the mice are busy gathering food (working) and storing it (saving) for the winter. All except Frederick. While his industrious family hunts and gathers and stores, Frederick seems to do nothing. Their question is direct, "Frederick, why don't you work?" But, Frederick is working. He is busy in other ways: gathering sun rays, colors, and words. Winter comes, and the mouse family eats from the stores in their hideout. As the winter days get long and tedious, the mice turn to Frederick for his contributions, and he cheers the days with his treasure of words and colors. The message of this fable is direct, but not heavy-handed. There is a need for both the practical and the aesthetic--food for both the body and the spirit. Many bibliographies are available for economics education in the elementary schools. These are books that demonstrate, as examples, money-making principles, work, savings, buying and selling, and supply and demand. But, what about the consideration of other values--those things that can't be measured in dollars and cents? This article provides an annotated bibliography of children's books that can be used to explore, through plot and characters, these values and to reflect on their worth.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A