From: Dean Schneider <schneiderd>
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:43:25 -0600

I'm constantly amazed at how quick people are to dismiss (and insult) the work of committee members and the writers, artists, editors, and publishers themselves who read listservs. This was only the third year of the Geisel award, and their selections are strikingly good. I'm not sure what DAJ meant by "depressing," since it was an unsubstantiated comment, but the Geisel is doing what was intended, not only to award a few books but to encourage even more excellent writing and illustration in books for beginning readers. I would suggest that anyone who questions this award to actually purchase the books and see how they fare as books to delight, encourage, and motivate young readers. Look for some of the things that the committee members look for in a strong book: readable font, picture cues that are effective, abundant white space and uncluttered background, repetition of words, consistent rhythms, and -- most important of all -- will encourage young readers to read. Not dreary primers, but beautiful books that turn children onto reading.
  The Geisel Award was mentioned in just about every press release and article I saw. Since it is such a new award, I would say the three committees so far have done an admirable job of shaping what the award is and will become.
 
  Dean Schneider
 
Received on Mon 21 Jan 2008 05:43:25 PM CST