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From: Sharon Grover <sgrover>
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 97 20:46:15 EDT
Okay, Ginny, I guess if we all feel "too busy" CCBC-net will stop being what it is -- a wonderful professional tool and opportunity for growth.
Two of my favorite Charlotte Zolotow books to share with children in storyhour settings are, SAY IT and I KNOW A LADY, both illustrated by James Stevenson. To me they are representative of what works about her picture books; they are quiet reflections of seemingly the most ordinary things in life: a mother and daughter out walking together and the neighborhood children's relationship with an elderly woman. Nothing remarkable, and yet, both are filled with the kind of love that everyone -- children and adults alike -- craves. I have colleagues who are sure those books won't work in storyhour: there's no "action" or "adventure." But, every time I have used them, the kids "get it." Children know their parents love them, but every once in awhile, everyone wants to hear it said out loud. And the best neighborhoods are the ones with a mix of loving adults who make children feel wanted and appreciated. And, of course, those adults reap the benefits of their attention to children, too. Charlotte Zolotow must know what makes life real and satisfying and she manages to convey it perfectly in these two books. We must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of only offering books where the activity level seems high, but should remember to steer parents of young children to these little gems that must never be forgotten.
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 97 20:46:15 EDT
Okay, Ginny, I guess if we all feel "too busy" CCBC-net will stop being what it is -- a wonderful professional tool and opportunity for growth.
Two of my favorite Charlotte Zolotow books to share with children in storyhour settings are, SAY IT and I KNOW A LADY, both illustrated by James Stevenson. To me they are representative of what works about her picture books; they are quiet reflections of seemingly the most ordinary things in life: a mother and daughter out walking together and the neighborhood children's relationship with an elderly woman. Nothing remarkable, and yet, both are filled with the kind of love that everyone -- children and adults alike -- craves. I have colleagues who are sure those books won't work in storyhour: there's no "action" or "adventure." But, every time I have used them, the kids "get it." Children know their parents love them, but every once in awhile, everyone wants to hear it said out loud. And the best neighborhoods are the ones with a mix of loving adults who make children feel wanted and appreciated. And, of course, those adults reap the benefits of their attention to children, too. Charlotte Zolotow must know what makes life real and satisfying and she manages to convey it perfectly in these two books. We must not allow ourselves to fall into the trap of only offering books where the activity level seems high, but should remember to steer parents of young children to these little gems that must never be forgotten.
-- Sharon Grover Arlington County (VA) Dept. of Libraries sgrover at leo.vsla.eduReceived on Thu 12 Jun 1997 07:46:15 PM CDT
