After Harry Potter, What?
If your child is one of the children who love the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, a book by one of the following children's authors may be just the ticket: C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Madeline L'Engle, Diana Wynne Jones, P.L. Travers, and Frances Hodgson Burnett. They're Burning Books Again
Who are "they" and why are they burning "Harry Potter" and other children's books? Who, if anyone, should censor children's books? What if your child were assigned a book you disapprove of? How do you feel about banning books and censorship? The 2002 and 2003 Caldecott and Newbery Medal and Honor Book Winners
The American Library Association Caldecott and Newbery Medals are among the most prestigious awards in children's literature; find out about these ALA awards for picture book illustration and children's fiction and check over the 2002 and 2003 list of winners to find the perfect book for your child. Children's Books: Historical Fiction
Learn about two books of historical fiction in the form of picture books for upper elementary and middle school readers, "Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page" and "The Mary Celeste," as well as the many online resources, including annotated booklists and articles related to historical fiction that you can use to pick the perfect children's book for your child. Much Like Nancy Drew
Mildred Wirt Benson's role as the author of 23 of the first 25 Nancy Drew books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate wasn't revealed to the public for 50 years. Benson was well known in the midwest as a journalist, and Carolyn Keene was the name given as the author of the Nancy Drew books. The Nancy Drew series has been popular for many years. Has your child read a Nancy Drew book? Kane/Miller Children's Book Publisher
Kane/Miller is a small independent American children's book publisher that specializes in children's picture books that originated in other countries. Introduce your child to books from around the world, and s/he'll learn about life in other countries, as well as how much we all have in common. Astrid Lindgren, The Creator of Pippi Longstocking
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren may have been best known for her children's books featuring the lovable character Pippi Longstocking, but she had many other accomplishments as well. The Magic of Ezra Jack Keats
Author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats is known for his award winning children's books with their collage and paint illustrations, particularly The Snowy Day, for which he received a Caldecott Medal, and other books featuring Peter, an African American boy who lives in the city. If you are looking for a picture book your child will enjoy again and again, try a book by Ezra Jack Keats. Author and Illustrator Bill Peet
Children's author and illustrator Bill Peet was not only known for his more than 30 humorous children's books, he was also well known as a storyteller and animator for Disney, writing the script for Disney's animated 101 Dalmations. Peet's autiobiography is also an interesting book for your child to read. Banning and Censorship of Children's Books
Get an update on the fights to ban certain children's books and the current debate about Harry Potter and other children's books. Who do you think should be responsible for censorship and banning books? What about a book for your child? Spotlight on Jean Little
For almost forty years, Canadian author Jean Little has been writing outstanding children's books, so if you are looking for a book for your 9-12-year-old child, be sure to include books by this Canadian children's author. The Artistry and Influence of Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak's children's picture books, artwork and stories, have had a major impact on children's literature, with one book by Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are," winning both a Caldecott Medal and complaints that it was too scary for a young child.
Hans Christian Andersen and his Fairy Tales
You might be surprised to find out how many of the children's books of fairy tales your child particularly enjoys are versions of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. Learn more about Andersen's life and work and find out why one of his fairy tales might be just the special children's book to delight your child. Artist Jerry Pinkney
When looking for a book for your child, look for books illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Jerry Pinkney has created numerous Caldecott Honor Books and is the recipient of a number of other awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award, for his watercolor illustrations of children's books. The Extraordinary Tomie dePaola
Find the perfect book for your child by taking a look at the work of award winning children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, who has over 200 children's books to his credit, including folktales, Mother Goose rhymes, Bible stories, books about Stregna Nona, and his own life at 26 Fairmount Avenue. Grimm's Fairy Tales and Other Versions
Before you select a book of fairy tales for your child, get information on scholarly research and versions of popular Grimm's fairy tales, such as Cinderella, which were originally written for adult audience and not for a child. Now, some of the most popular children's books are based on Grimm's fairy tales. The International Children's Digital Library
Learn all about the new International Children's Digital Library where your child will be able to choose a book from thousands of online children's books, as will children from around the world when the library is fully developed. Hooray for Dr. Seuss!
Learn about author and illustrator Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) and his books, picture books and beginning readers with a controlled vocabulary, which include 'The Cat in the Hat' and 'Green Eggs and Ham' and which are all great read-alouds. If your child loves rhymes and fun, try a Dr. Seuss book. Create Your Own Children's Booklists
Here are three excellent online children's literature databases that you can use to create booklists by theme or age for your children. Use it to find books in a particular category and to find a special book for your child. The Wit and Wisdom of Aesop's Fables
The fables of Aesop make great reading for children in these picture book versions of "Aesop's Fables," illustrated by such artists as Jerry Pinkney. If you are looking for a book for your child that the entire family will enjoy, try "Aesop's Fables." Spotlight on Author Sharon Creech
Author Sharon Creech has won numerous awards for her children’s novels, including the Newbery Medal and the Carnagie Awaard. If you are looking for a good book for your 9-12 year old child (upper elementaty - middle school), try one of the novels by Sharon Creech, such as “Ruby Holler,” “Walk Two Moons,” or “Chasing Redbird.” "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Everyone is excited about Harry Potter book five, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," by J.K. Rowling. Find out about the book that is popular with both children and adults, and surprise your child with information about the story, the artwork, and the audio versions. Children's Choices
If you are looking for children's books for your child that other children have enjoyed, download the annual Children's Choices children's booklists. Children's Choices is a project of the International Reading Association (IRA) and The Children's Book Council (CBC). Louis Sachar, Author of "Holes" and Much More
Louis Sachar is much more than just the author of the children's book "Holes" (and "Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake"), popular with children 10+ and young adults (YA), and the screen writer for the movie version of "Holes." Sachar is also the author of the popular Wayside School and Marvin Redpost series, and the award winning "There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom." Censorship and Challenged Children's Books
What's the state of censorship and challenged children's books in the twenty-first century? Books, including books by popular author Judy Blume and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, are being challenged, censored, and may be included in book burnings. | 