From: Kathleen Horning <horning>
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 1998 10:40:25 -0500

Thanks to all the people who have contributed to our discussion of what they expect to see to see in a good picture-book review. It seems that everyone is in agreement about wanting more than a plot summary. That is the most common criticism I hear about children's book reviewing in general these days, not just reviews of picture books.

The latest issue of Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB; Sept 1998) has an excellent and insightful review by Betsy Hearne of Chris Rashka's new book, "Arlene Sardine" (Orchard, 1998) as part of their regular editorial column called "The Big Picture." In addition to providing intelligent criticism of the book, she raises a lot of questions she raises a lot of questions about the current state of U.S. picture books, suing "Arlene Sardine" as an example.

Whether you agree with Betsy Hearne or not, I think you'll find it refreshing to read a review with a clear point of view and strong opinions. You can read it online at:

http://edfu.lis.uiuc.edu/puboff/bccb/0998big.html

We welcome any comments you might have about this review, or about the points she raises for discussion. What do you think?



Kathleen T. Horning (khorning at facstaff.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center School of Education University of Wisconsin-Madison 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 North Park St. Madison, WI 53706
(608)&3930
Received on Thu 10 Sep 1998 10:40:25 AM CDT