From: Steven
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 15:53:27 PST

I used to get to see books before I ordered them, but have been going by reviews for several years now, and it makes picturebook selection tough. I agree that the medium used is useful, but I don't think it's crucial. I mainly want to know if the illustrations work or not. Are there expressive characters, lively action, humorous details? Do they match the tone of the words? As Janice says, if I can get "a good idea of what the book actually *looks* like" that's great (as a reviewer I often find that beyond my abilities, but browsing through the latest BCCB I see they really manage it!) I also like to hear who would enjoy the book (preschoolers, kids with an interest in the topic, everybody...). Someone mentioned rhythm of the language, and I agree. Awkward rhymes, too much description, dull narrative...these are things I want to know about. The story's important too, but again I usually want to learn more about what it's like (funny, suspenseful, interesting) than what it's about. I've been reviewing picturebooks, fiction, and non-fiction for several years and find picturebooks the toughest. Unless it's a great book or a bad one, it's hard (for me at least) to differentiate the book you're reviewing from the other thousands of books out there. I'm looking forward to more of this discussion and will be taking notes.
-------------------------------------------------------Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library 1595 Burns Streeet West Linn, OR 97068 ph: 503e6x57 fax: 503e6'46 e-mail: steven at westlinn.lib.or.us
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Received on Wed 02 Sep 1998 06:53:27 PM CDT