From: teladell
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 1995 14:19:22 +0000

I am interested in any reactions to the article in the Kids Quarterly supplement to the August 11th issue of Madison's Isthmus newspaper. The article is called "Social Maladies for the Kiddie Set" and warns parents to be cautious when choosing children's books, particularly picture books. As a parent, former teacher and longtime lover of children's literature, the article does express some of my own concerns.
          When a major children's book award is given to an excellent work which deals with an issue that is frightening, complex and relavent to a small minority, the book is broadly marketed and, to all appearances, recommended reading by its very placement on the Caldecott and Newbery lists given out by libraries and schools. Do professionals need to put more resources into educating people about the full range of literature that is available to children (included excellent books long out of print)? Do you need to consider new ways of classifying books rather than just picture books, children's books (chapter books), young adult, etc. What do you think about the article's suggestion that books be treated like videotapes
(and television), which responsible parents are now expected by society to censor?
        These are just some questions that pop into my mind and I would be interested in any thoughtful responses. Thank you. Therese Ladell
Received on Fri 11 Aug 1995 09:19:22 AM CDT