From: lisa von drasek <lisav>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 14:50:23 -0400

I understand your concern about the font used in _We had a picnic, this Sunday last_ and I don't think it is a problem for beginning readers. Two points.

Number one- Picture books such as these are not mean't for the children to read to themselves. They are meant to be read aloud by adults to relish in the language, the sophisticated vocabulary and the storytelling. A child's aural understanding is much greater that their reading ability. Reading aloud continues to build those skills.

Number two- My kudos to the book designer (correct me but that is who chooses the font) The font and colors chosen cue me (the storyteller) to who is speaking and their expression.

Lisa Von Drasek

Lisa Von Drasek Children's Librarian Bank Street College of Education School For Children 610 W.112th Street New York NY 10025

lisav at bnkst.edu 212?5D52


I am not sure how to ask this, but does anyone else but me wish to read review commentary about the font or type?ce chosen by the editor (or illustrator?). Yesterday I went to pick up the new J. Woodson picture book and instantly realized that most of the students in my class would struggle mightily with the jolly font that was chosen for this book. The type?ce DOES reflect the feeling of celebration in the book, but it is hard for brand-new readers to read ...especially with so many words per page. I know it is a little thing, but my classroom budget for books is a little thing too!

With all the technological advances in publishing, I have noticed this trend towards unusual (and often delightful) text placement and type faces. I would love to have that information noted in a review, especially if the book seems to be written for the very young reader.(as opposed to the young listener)

Thanks, Robin Smith Ensworth School Nashville, TN





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Received on Fri 25 Sep 1998 01:50:23 PM CDT