From: michele Missner <missnerm>
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1998 11:51:11 -0700

It was interesting to read Paula's post. Like food, different books appeal to different people. I just read Solomon Singer and I wondered about that appealing to kids. I certainly can see if as a starting point for discussion of dreams, being old. It is really a lovely, happy-sad book. As a watercolorist, I was blown away by the illustrations. I have not seen any of the books that Rylant has illustrated completely--only the cover of the Islander and its shell type illustrations, but I don't think she could match the lushness of Cattalano (sp?)'s watercolors.

There are many books written and illustrated that are put in the children's section because they are "picture books", but the real appeal may be to young adults and adults. This is another case of "labeling" where people do not read books that are labeled for a specific audience even though they may be missing something that might really enjoy. I heard Barbara Elleman give a talk at the Wisconsin Library Assocation meeting about the types of books that are purchased for children. Many are bought by grandparents and the books appeal to them, but the biggest number are spin offs from movies, tv programs, Walt Disney productions, which is sad given all of the wonderful, quality literature that appeals to children.

Michele Missner

jpcairo wrote:




-Michele Missner Program Leader, Library Media Services Appleton Area School District Appleton, Wisconsin Tel: (920) 832H99

Library Media Specialist Appleton West High School 610 N. Badger Ave. Appleton, Wisconsin 54914 Tel:(920) 832A62 Fax: (920) 832b39 Email: missnerm at athenet.net http://www.athenet.net/~westfive
Received on Sun 26 Jul 1998 01:51:11 PM CDT