From: Melody Allen <melodyan>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 1998 11:45:48 -0400

Lisa raises a tricky phrase - "the intended audience." Yet audience is critical because reading (and reviewing) involves an interactive process (which is why it is so important who reviews a book). I have examined Arlene Sardine, and I have little question that any review that described how the art and text work together would show that it is as successfully designed as Raschka's previous books. Beyond this kind of commentary on the technical aspects of the creation of the book, I would like some definitive statements on a more holistic level. Is the theme or topic worth the time and effort of the creators and the readers? Will the meaning, characters, mood, etc. stay with the reader long after the cover is closed?

And also, is the book developmentally appropriate for the intended audience? This question is as frought with definition problems as Clinton's testimony! But I know it when I see it - Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, Ira Sleeps Over - these books all speak to masses of children at certain ages and stages. That is where I have my difficulty with Arlene Sardine. I cannot really look at this book as an explanation of where sardines come from for the four year old. As with Swimmy, I think younger readers will identify with Arlene as a human stand-in, and that leads me to a lot of trouble with the Arlene dies and goes to sardine heaven story. I don't find that take to be heroic, camp, or instructive for that age group. Maybe for the 8 year olds and up, it comes across like a fractured tale. What a dichotomy that this book could be used as a spoof by some and as comforting bibliotherapy on an after-life or heaven by others. (And would depressed teens see it related to suicide?)

So in a review I want some indication of the appropriate audience and the appropriateness of the book for that audience. And I must agree with Leda that while questions in a review can make me think, I also want a review to take a stand.
 Too often I get to the end of a review and can't tell whether it is favorable or not. At the same time I appreciate the descriptions given on this list of responsible reviewing involving serious reexamination and justification using professional criteria to support those opinions.

Melody Allen Melodyan at lori.state.ri.us
---------From: lisa von drasek Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 1998 9:52 AM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject: Re: picturebook reviews

Dear CCBCers I ask myself " who is the intended audience" for the review.

                 Lisa Von Drasek Children's Librarian Bank Street College of Education 610 W.112th St. NY NY 10025

lisav at bnkst.edu 212 875 4452
Received on Wed 16 Sep 1998 10:45:48 AM CDT