Discusses the necessity for providing access to microcomputers in elementary education and recommends 48 software titles that would be appropriate for public or school libraries. Considerations for librarians establishing a microcomputer software collection are discussed, and suggestions for choosing preschool programs as well as programs in…

Discusses the incorporation of videos into library collections and school curricula and reviews suitable book-based videos adapted from traditional folk or fairy tales, modern short stories, and novels. Topics addressed include interpreting visual images, changes made from the original version, and style and setting. A list of distributors is…

On the "New York Times" Children's Best Sellers list for more than two years, Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" still causes groups of children to enthusiastically exclaim that it's the "best book ever." What is it that kids love about Greg Heffley and his escapades? Why are they overcome with laughter while simply trying to explain his humor?…

In this article, the author describes ten nonfiction books she recommends for adults: (1) "My Reading Life" (Pat Conroy); (2) "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" (Barbara Demick); (3) "Learning to Die in Miami: Confessions of a Refuge Boy" (Carlos Eire); (4) "The Perfect Shape + The Perfect Sauce =…

Describes several videos about authors and illustrators of children's literature. The videos include interviews, performances, and discussions of the illustration and writing processes. Technical and collection development issues are considered, and distributors and prices are listed for 66 videos. (MES)

Discusses the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in young adult problem novels and reviews eight novels that deal with AIDS. Emotional and educational issues are addressed, and a sidebar lists resources on AIDS for young people, including books, articles, videos, and pamphlets and posters. (LRW)

Provides an annotated bibliography of print atlases for pre-K through 12, general atlases for under and over $50, Facts on File loose-leaf map collections, and CD-ROM atlases. Lists the top atlases' best bets of print and CD-ROM, provides guidelines for selection, and argues that although print atlases are superior, a good CD-ROM atlas is useful…

Argues for the importance of authenticity in children's picture-book folktales. The need for source notes, authors' and publishers' responsibility to provide them, and librarians' responsibility to consider them when selecting, using, and reviewing folktales are stressed. Source acknowledgment practices are explained, and examples with…

Discussion of retellings, reillustrations, and reinterpretations of folk and fairy tales focuses on Beni Montresor's version of "Little Red Riding Hood." The oral origins of the tale which were influenced by historical events are explained; varying views on female autonomy and sexuality are examined; and selection criteria for librarians…

Reviews "Youth Indicators 1988: Trends in the Well-Being of American Youth," which provides the findings of a longitudinal study started in the 1950s. The statistical reports of the study address five major areas: demographics and family composition; family income; education; youth employment and finances; and health, behavior and attitudes. (CLB)

Considers arguments for and against the use of videotape productions of children's literature as motivators to reading. Criteria for the selection of videos that are successful adaptations of books are identified and discussed in the context of specific video productions. (four references) (CLB)

Discusses stereotypes of prevalent social attitudes in juvenile historical fiction. Examples of stereotyping of Blacks and native Americans in several well-known children's books are described. (MES)

Gives criteria with which to evaluate children's and young adult books that depict mentally disabled characters, including accuracy of information, lack of stereotypes, literary quality, confronting the disability, and not "using" disabled characters. Six exemplary titles are examined in light of these criteria, and 11 other books are…

Defines what a concept is, evaluates the educational quality of concept books, suggests books suitable for young children, and discusses how concept books are tools for supplementing and reinforcing direct hands-on learning experiences. Concept books on color, shapes, numbers, counting, texture, movement, sound, and the alphabet are evaluated.(JMV)

This annotated bibliography reviews 55 new children's books that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Selections include fiction, nonfiction, holiday music and art, museum reproductions, and original illustrations. Age level appropriateness is indicated for preschool through grade six. (LRW)