From: Kimberly M. King <cc496>
Date: Fri, 7 Nov 1997 08:54:55 -0500 (EST)

Hi! Forgive me please, there was not enough space to fully indicate the intended subject of this posting in the Subject line! Translation: Picture Books, Public Libraries, and Booktalks. There was a question from a public librarian about how other public librarians integrated PBs in their booktalk presentations.... I often find them extremely helpful in refocusing attention that might have wandered far from listening to what I am saying. If I all of a sudden switch from talking about books like Bad Girls, The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, Brian's Winter...and throw in My LIttle Sister Ate One Hare or Piggie Pie, both books that I have showed many people in many age groups, by golly, the kids look up! They enjoy the book and being read to, AND their attention is back. Plus, there is the fact that they *know* that it was a picture book and that all of their
*peers* laughed with them and hey, maybe picture books are not *baby books* after all. Ah, Bingo!

Another way that I re-introduce picture books to older readers is during the annual "I've gotta read a Tall Tale" assignment. Steven Kellogg's books are great for this. I've become accustomed to the standard response from the kids and often the parents too of "No, we need the real one. Do you have anything older, longer, in a regular book?" This affords the opportunity to talk about tall tales in general. (passed along by word of mouth...someone is not likely to remember fifty pages worth of text...not going to be real long!) So why not read a version with fun illustrations too?

Thoughts from one who has to go prepare for a class visiting this morning!

-Kimberly
 Children's Librarian
 Port Richmond Branch, NYPL
 cc496 at freenet.buffalo.edu

"The Earth has music for those who listen."
Received on Fri 07 Nov 1997 07:54:55 AM CST