From: Rhonda Rodriguez <rrodrig>
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 19:40:15 -0400

Hi everyone, Apologies if you get this on more than one list - I'm crossposting to reach as many people as possible.

I'm working on a graduate school paper about gender portrayals in children's literature. Specifically, I'm examining animal characters in classic and contemporary children's books, to see which genders they are assigned and what character traits they have that may play into (or against!) gender stereotypes.

Since you all write for children, that means you've read a lot of great children's books, so you know a lot about animal characters in children's literature. I hope you'll be willing to spare a few minutes to repond to the survey questions below. If you do respond, please return the email directly to me, rather than the list. That way, your answers will stay confidential, which will uphold the validity of the survey.

Please return your answers to me by Wednesday, May 4. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. It's a HUGE help!!

Sincerely, Rhonda Rodriguez

THE SURVEY

Part 1 Directions: Please look at the following list of animals. For each animal listed, please state what gender you think of when you think of that animal -- male, female, or neutral.This is a free-association exercise, so it's important to put down your very first thought. There are no "right" or "appropriate" answers to these questions.

1. cat

2. dog

3. rabbit

4. fox

5. wolf

6. cow

7. rat

8. sheep

9. bear

10. horse

11. elephant

12. mouse

13. bee

14. eagle

15. chicken

16. spider

17. kangaroo

18. goose

19. snake

20. mongoose

21. swan

22. tiger

23. deer

24. squirrel

25. pig

Part 2

Please list any animal characters that you have read about in children's books. The books can be classical or contemporary. Please only include characters that you can remember easily -- you shouldn't have to actually look in a book to make your list.

Each character you list should include: a) the type of animal b) the character name, if one is given (a capitalized name such as Bear is also okay) c) the gender of the animal, if one is given (if this is not specified, please say
"neutral") d) the title and author of the book, if you know it

Part 3

For each animal you listed in part 2, list between three and five adjectives which describe that character's personality. Again, you should only be including animal characters that you know from memory, rather than having to look up characters.

Part 4 Please describe in more detail (one paragraph) an animal character that you mentioned in part 3, that you would consider to be your favorite animal character in a children's book. Please state why it is your favorite.

Part 5 For statistical purposes, please state your:

Gender Age City/State Country (if not U.S.)

Part 6 Is it okay if I quote your answer to part 4 in the paper? (Yes or No) If your answer to the previous question is Yes, what is your first name and the first initial of your last name? Is it all right if I send you an individual follow-up email? (Yes or No)

THANK YOU for your help with this study! It is tremendously appreciated!!
Received on Mon 02 May 2005 06:40:15 PM CDT