2002 Features
from your Guide, Elizabeth Kennedy

Peace on Earth, 12/23/02
It seems appropriate at this time of year that I again feature the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, which recognizes the children's book "that most effectively promotes the cause of peace, social justice and world community."

Recommended Kwanzaa Books, 12/16/01
While Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday, these are books that many other children will also enjoy and that many teachers will want to use for character education.

Christmas Picture Books, 12/10/02
Here are ten Christmas picture books that I recommend for your child because of the quality of both the text and the illustrations. They include stories about the birth of Christ, Santa Claus, and the holiday season.

"Keat's's Neighborhood", 12/1/02
This book, published in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Keats' "The Snowy Day," contains the Caldecott Medal winner and nine other Keats' classics, as well as biographical information on Keats, who had a profound effect on children's literature.

Artist Jerry Pinkney, 10/28/02
Learn about this wonderful illustrator whose artistry has made him a four-time Caldecott Honor Book winner.

Book Review: "John Henry", 10/20/02
With the story of the legendary John Henry told by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, it's no wonder the book was designated a Caldecott Honor Book.

Popular Characters Celebrate Halloween, 10/12/02
Here are some Halloween books featuring such popular picture book characters as Franklin, Biscuit, Clifford, and Arthur, as well as a Nate the Great.

"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak , 10/7/02
What is it that has kept this book a classic since it first won the Caldecott Medal in 1964?

The Jane Addams Children's Book Award, 9/30/02
I have updated this article, adding the recently announced 2002 winners of the award, which recognizes a book in each of two categories "that most effectively promotes the cause of peace, social justice and world community."

Spotlight on The Children's Book Council, 9/15/02
This nonprofit trade organization has a terrific web site, with resources that will be of particular interest to parents, teachers, librarians, writers, and illustrators.

Remembering September 11, 2001, 9/8/02
With the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks coming up, I take a look at some of the chidren's books and online resources that can help children cope and that promote tolerance.

"Faraway Home," a Poignant Children's Picture Book, 9/2/02
Desta's father is from Ethiopia, but his daughter, Desta, is American born and bred. Now Desta's father has to go back to his beloved country. Desta worries he won't come back.

Top Picks: Books by Bill Peet, 8/25/02
Here are four books by award winning children's author and illustrator Bill Peet that your Guide particularly recommends.

"This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort", 8/18/02
This truly is a comforting book, published in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and offering consolation, hope, and encouragement.

"The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery from History", 8/11/02
This picture book by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple provides a great introduction to the "history mysteries" for 8 to 12 year olds.

Robert McCloskey's Maine Caldecott Award Winners, 8/5/02
Learn about author and illustrator Robert McCloskey and his classic picture books set in Maine, which include "Blueberries for Sal" and "Time of Wonder."

Getting Ready for School, 7/29/02
If your child is a little nervous about starting school or starting a new school, these picture books will provide some reassurance.

Book Review: "City Signs", 7/22/02
Award-winning photojournalist Zoran Milich has created a picture book full of city scenes and words that will be particularly appealing to three to six year olds.

Author and Illustrator Bill Peet, 7/7/02
Author and illustrator Bill Peet died May 11, 2002. Learn about his life, his work for Disney Studios, and his 35 children's books.

Top Picks: Books Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak, 6/30/02
"Where the Wild Things Are" is only one of the books that artist Maurice Sendak both wrote and illustrated that became a classic.

Books that Celebrate America, 6/23/02
Here are five recommended books that celebrate America. They include American poetry, artwork, tall tales, and more about the United States of America.

Heroes, Symbols, and Stories of the U.S.A., 6/16/02
What does it mean to be an American? Learn more about important American symbols, including the Statue of Liberty.

A Trio of Excellent Sites, 6/2/02
For indepth information on children's literature, you need to visit these sites.

Marc Brown's Arthur and His Father, 5/26/02
Marc Brown's picture and chapter books about Arthur and his family and friends are enormously popular. Who and what is Arthur and what is his relationship with his father?

Review: "Singing with Momma Lou", 5/12/02
This picture book, which tells the story of a nine year old girl coping with her grandmother's Alzheimer's disease, is not a sad book because of its emphasis on family love and caring.

Resources for Reluctant Readers, 5/6/02
There are a number of helpful online resources for families dealing with a reluctant reader.

L. Frank Baum and "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz", 4/29/02
The year 2000 was the centennial year of the publication of this classic. Learn about the author and his desire to create a new American fairy tale.

Astrid Lindgren, The Creator of Pippi Longstocking, 4/21/02
Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, who died in January 2002, became internationally famous for her children's books, particularly those featuring Pippi Longstocking.

"A Story for Bear", 4/14/02
This delightful new picture book, a fantasy for 5-8 year olds, celebrates the joys of reading and friendship.

"Poetry Matters", 4/9/02
Children's poet and author Ralph Fletcher's book, "Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out," is an excellent choice for 8-12 year olds who are interested in writing their own poetry.

Top Picks: Children's Poetry, 3/31/02
I've added several excellent books to my list of recommended children's poetry books in honor of National Poetry Month.

Top Picks: Sharon Creech's Books, 3/10/02
Sharon Creech, who won the 1995 Newbery Medal, continues to write excellent books for various ages. Here are my three top picks.

Solve Tough Management Problems with Children's Picture Books, 3/3/02
Read this article find out how you can use David Wiesner's 2002 Caldecott Medal winner, "The Three Pigs," and several other books to effect change in your employees.

Create Your Own Children's Booklists, 2/10/02
Did you know that there are several free online databases you can use to create your own booklists by age, topic, genre, or other criteria?

Recommended Valentine's Day Books, 1/13/02
Here are brief reviews of three engaging Valentine's Day picture books that emphasize friendship and kindness.