From: Judith O'Malley <jomalley>
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998 14:02:23 -0500

I think Ginny has raised a salient point in focusing on the depth of Betsy Hearne's examination of Arlene. Several major review journals do have a particular feature in which they can devote more space for thorough consideration of a particular book. I was gratified that the Bulletin devoted this Big Picture space to the many layers of investigation--from the playful to the realistic treatment of death--in Arlene. Similarly, Booklist gave this book their Focus feature in the 9/1/98 issue. Though I am the lone dissenter here who found Arlene a compelling and involving picture book (Booklist and Book Links share a unit here at ALA and we definitely share our views on books), I was equally impressed that Ilene Cooper devoted space and careful consideration of the book, rather than dismissing it quickly and easily. In our review of picture-book views, it seems useful, as Ginny has suggested, to look at the choices editors/reviewers make not only in allocating stars and pointers, but in doling out precious words-counts.

Judy O'Malley Book Links
Received on Fri 11 Sep 1998 02:02:23 PM CDT