Reviews (9)

Go for the Original, Not This
The original is a neat classic. This is a modern re-make (new drawings, "corrected" for a more modern audience), and strays from the quality of the original.

To it's credit, it has a copy of the original tacked on as an appendage.

Skip this version, and just get the original, and you'll have all you need, for less money.

Struwwelpeter
This is an excellent read. In reference to the advice of most readers of Struwwelpeter to NOT let children read this book, I would like to quote Terry Pratchet: "...it was much earlier than that when most people forgot that the very oldest stories are, sooner or later, about blood. Later on they tookt he blood out to make the stories more acceptable to children, or at least to the people who read them to children rather than the children themselves (who, on the whole, are quite keen on blood provided it's being shed by the deserving. That is to say, those who deserve to shed blood. Or possibly not. You never quite know with some kids.)"
As an educator and once-child, I would reccommend this book to children over the age of 10. Of course this reading experience, like any, should involve a discussion with the parents so they can understand the differences between being a child of the Victorian era and being a child now.
Give kids credit!!

Curious, twisted, with an interesting history...
Although this was historically a popular book for children in the 19th century, I was not familiar with it until it was referenced in Grant Morrison's _Doom Patrol_. I don't necessarily recommend this for kids of today, however. Adults who enjoy quirky rhymes and disturbing pictures like Edward Gorey's should get a kick out of this. What struck me about this edition was the additional material -- a brief discussion of changing attitudes toward child-rearing and how children were viewed by society, a review of some of the work that Struwwelpeter inspired, and even the inclusion of the anti-Nazi work Struwwelhitler. It's a well-rounded volume.

Bad things always happen to bad children
This edition is definitely NOT for children--the gruesome pictures in the beginning are wonderfully drawn, but would probably disturb young children. Having said that, this is a great book. Dr. Zipes' introduction, which adds immense value, discusses the intended use of this book as an instructor of morality and how 150 years of middle-class Euro-American families have used different approaches to teach socially "correct" behavior to their children.

At the end of the introduction is part of a review left on Amazon in 1997 by a reader of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (a book compared by some to "Struwwelpeter"). The reviewer attacked the book as glorifying the murder and debasement of children, and even talked about being unable to eat any blue-colored foods for years as a result of trauma caused by the blueberry scene. I think this reader, like many readers of "Struwwelpeter", has kind of missed the point. This book is not about being cruel to children. It's about warning children that if they are horrid, horrid things will happen to them. If you play with matches even though mother tells you not to, you'll get burnt up. If you're dirty and smelly, no one will like you. The bluntness of the consequences of bad behavior just serves to ram the message home. I found it fascinating that the author originally wrote this for his THREE-year-old son, when he decided that all the available books on correct behavior were either too didactic or too sentimental. This is hardly the 19th century equivalent of a slasher film, with blood and guts randomly strewn about--all the bad things in this book could have been avoided, if only the victims would have listened to people who were wiser than them. Whether or not you agree with the social message, it's still a fascinating read.

most perverse painting of this century
Responding to A Reader, who identified one of the book's illustrations as one of the most perverse of this century:

Possibly true! Especially considering the review was written when this century was only a week old. Give it time, give it time....

To the curious: The work in question is easily found by fanning the book. It is on the only black page. Quel apropos.

The Scissor-man is one of Ms. Vendetta's more sucessful illustrations, and avoids iffy anatomy that subvert the impact of some of her pen & ink drawing for this book.

One can only hope this exposure will prompt the printing and wider exposure of some of her *really* averse work from the previous century.

A table of contents would have been welcome. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is a family guide to classic novels, contemporary fiction, myths and legends, science fiction and fantasy, folktales, Bible stories, picture books, biographies, holiday stories, and many other books that celebrate virtues and values.

There are more than 300 titles to choose from, each featuring a dramatic story and memorable characters who explore moral ground and the difference between what is right and what is wrong. These books will capture your child's imagination, and conscience as well-whether it is Beauty pondering her promise to Beast, mischievous Max in Where the Wild Things Are, the troubled boys of Lord of the Flies, generous Mr. Badger in The Wind in the Willows, or the courageous struggles of such real-life characters as Frederick Douglass and Anne Frank.

With entries arranged by category and reading level, there is something here for all readers-from preschoolers to teenagers-whatever their tastes may be. Each entry features a complete plot summary and publisher information so that you can find the book with ease in your local library or bookstore. It's not always easy to teach a child the difference between right and wrong, but stories-whether they are based on fantasy or rooted in real life-can speak to children more eloquently than any list of dos or don'ts and can impart moral values as they nurture a child's imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Where Have We Seen This Before?
This book is OK, but I think it is merely a rerun of William Bennett's "Book of Virtues", sans William Bennett. And maybe it's just me, but I think the most important and fascinating book to have come along in a long time, if not ever, and is not even included in this book's list, is Norman Thomas Remick's rising star, "West Point: Character Leadership Education, A Book Developed from The Readings And Writings Of Thomas Jefferson".

excellent resource for finding worthwhile books for kids
The title of this resource sounds stuffier than it is. The authors' philosophy seems to be one of "less is more" -- making the case, in an interesting and literate foreword and five introductory chapters, that books can be useful and even important resources for trying to help your child figure out what makes life interesting. These books can help provide role models, teach empathy, and transport the reader to a different world or state of mind. The authors de-emphasize problem novels for young adults, which they feel teach self-acceptance rather than improvement and whose authors often sacrifice story for message, opting instead for the mythic, transportive style. I've read a lot of children's literature and still found a number of new and interesting titles here.

Books are divided into genre and then age group (4-8, 8-12, 12+). There is a good science fiction/fantasy section. Other chapters include: picture books; fables and fairy tales; myths, legends and folktales; sacred texts; books for holidays and holy days; historical fiction; contemporary fiction (post WWII); and biography.

The book list contains about 300 books and includes title, author, illustrator, publisher, year of publication and number of pages, as well as a one-page summary of the plot and brief discussion of issues or virtues covered in the selection. Also included: a list of the books, in the order they appear, sans commentary; a short chapter about the Book List; a list of twenty videos deemed worthwhile viewing; a notes section in case you want to delve deeper; and an index. The index is the weak link here. For example, on page 35, one sentence ends " ... just as most good parents, whatever their views on censorship, tend to buy their children books by A. A. Milne and Mark Twain rather than books by the Marquis de Sade." Then the Marquis de Sade is in the index (!) while useful subject terms, like 'loneliness' and 'friendship', are not. Later editions should include a thorough subject index.

A good companion book to Jim Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook, and a valuable resource for anyone mentoring children. The commentaries are thoughtful and well written.

A Great Guide to Books Worth Reading
As another reviewer pointed out, the title and subtitle of this book may put people off. But this isn't a book that applies a preachy sort of moralism to the task of building a child's character through literature. Far from it. It's a very valuable guide to books that have, and will, stand the test of time as classics. I discovered many wonderful books through this guide and had a great time reading them to my children. The best children's literature is as satisfying on an adult level as it is for the child.

This book is valuable not only for the lists and summaries of good books for children (grouped by age level and category) that takes up most of its pages. The first 60 pages contain five short chapters on the importance of reading for children and of selecting the sort of books that will build their character and intellect. It explains why it does matter what your child reads (not just that they read). Don't skip this reading. No matter how convinced you are of the importance of good literature for a child's development, your conviction and understanding will deepen by reading what the authors have to say in this introductory material.

The fifth chapter has some especially useful guidelines on selecting and sharing good books. Distinguish between issues and virtues: "Having enlightened opinions is no substitute for having character". "Good books are people centered, not problem centered." Context of behavior portrayed in a book is crucial. "Character building books are not simply about good people doing good things. ... The question is not whether unethical behavior is present, but how it is presented". Look for stories that "open up new possibilities and stretch the imagination. ... be wary of stories that focus exclusively on narrow teen or preteen preoccupations, or those that offer nothing more than the therapeutic reassurance that everything is okay". "Look for books in which the main character grows". There is an education here to help you discern for yourself the quality of children's literature. There is also some good advice on how to read to your children; a good list of "do's and don't's" that make reading aloud more productive an fun. It won't be long before your kids are turning off the TV and asking you to read to them. You will have plenty of good material to draw from with this book as your guide.

Character Building
It's important for people of all ages to be concerned about character and moral values, especially in these modern days. Themes of classic stories have not really been improved upon over the years; wisdom is timeless. I also recommend Storybook Mentors, Grown-up Wisdom From Children's Classics.

A thoughtful guide to children's literature.
The title of this book made me a little wary, and the subtitle made me downright uncomfortable. First problem: I've found that when people toss around terms like "moral values," they're often talking about some narrow, even mean-spirited "values" that I don't think are the least bit moral. Second, I have a passion for children's books, but detest books that preach to children. I don't care whether they're preaching obey your parents and do your homework or take care of Mother Earth and respect human diversity ' I hate preachy books.

Fortunately, this is a much richer book than it's title led me to expect. The authors dislike didacticism in children's books as much as I do, and they make a strong case that well-chosen books give children good role models, increase their empathy for others, and don't just hand children simplistic moral precepts, but give them the opportunity to think about and discuss moral choices. And that, of course, is exactly what all of us need to grow into ethical human beings.

Most of the book consists of a list of recommended books, divided by age group. The recommendations are, for the most part, excellent, as are the comments on the books. I'm pretty knowledgeable about children's literature, but I've discovered quite a few unknown gems through this book, and have found the comments on books I know well to be insightful and interesting. Along with Jim Trelease's "The Read-Aloud Handbook," I think this is one of the best guides to children's books that I've come across. ... Read more

Book Description

In this handy-size book, renowned critic and historian (and New Yorker) Leonard S. Marcus has created and narrated twenty walking tours of New York City based on children's literature. Illustrated with maps, photographs, and book art, the tours can be followed from start to finish or abbreviated to suit a reader's, or a family's, particular interests. Together they feature over one hundred places and spaces by which New York has lit the imaginations of writers and artists as varied as E. B. White, Maurice Sendak, Judy Blume, Faith Ringgold, Madeleine L'Engle, and many more. Along the way, Marcus deftly discusses more than two hundred of the best books about New York City ever written for young people. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A charming idea, well-executed
Leonard Marcus hit upon a great idea and developed it perfectly. As a teacher, it is difficult to teach history or literature to the young and make the readings come to life. "Storied City: A Children's Book Guide to New York City", besides being a charming idea, is also a handy tool for parents and teachers. With this extremely convenient guide, you can walk the kids through the neighborhoods they've read about and enliven their reading experience. And, most importantly, Marcus writes in a way that doesn't talk down to children, and that's a tremendous asset.

a perfect delight
With clarity and affection born of familiarity and delight, Marcus covers over 200 places and spaces in New York that have made an appearance in books for children and teenagers. He tells you how to get there and what you will see when you do. It is a lovely size, easy to carry and to hold, and it will take you on a virtual journey even if you and your children can't do a real one. ... Read more

Book Description

As the population bulge of the Baby Boomer's children arrives at the teen years, publishers and librarians are scurrying to meet the radically different needs of the Net Generation. This collection of essays, talks, editorials, and rants by Marc Aronson are sure to dissipate inertia and frustration, even as they rejuvenate the perennially young at heart. ... Read more

Book Description

The third volume of Using Picture Storybooks to Teach Literary Devices joins volumes 1 and 2 of this best-selling series to give teachers and librarians the perfect tool to teach literary devices to students in grades K-12. In this volume, 120 well-reviewed picture storybooks, published mainly in the last few years, are listed (sometimes more than once) under 41 literary devices. All-ages picture storybooks, which can be enjoyed by adults, as well as children, are included. For each device, a definition is given, and descriptions of appropriate storybooks, with information on how to use them, the art style used in the book, and a curriculum tie-in, are provided. Among the literary devices included are alliteration, analogy, flashback, irony, metaphor, paradox, tone, and 34 more. Indexes by author, title, art style, and curriculum tie-in add to this outstanding book's great value. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Picture Storybooks in the Classroom
Susan Hall defines literary devices clearly and gives examples. The real power of this book however, is the resources listed and the easy to use layout. Teachers who are teaching at any grade level can find short, easy to read books that can teach hard to explain literary devices in a single class period. This is great for teaching youngsters, or a great introduction for older students who will be encountering a particular device in a longer book. Picture storybooks are wonderful literature these days and should be encouraged at all levels. This book should be in every school's professional library. I'd love to see a follow-up with more recent titles, and a resource of popular children's chapter books that could be used in conjunction with picture storybooks.

Disappointment
Although this is a great guide, most of the books are no longer in print. Had I known I couldn't buy the books I would have gotten volume II instead. ... Read more

Book Description

Can Fluffy the three-headed dog be explained by advances in molecular biology? Could the discovery of cosmic "gravity-shielding effects" unlock the secret to the Nimbus 2000 broomstick's ability to fly? Is the griffin really none other than the dinosaur Protoceratops? Roger Highfield, author of the critically acclaimed The Physics of Christmas, explores the fascinating links between magic and science to reveal that much of what strikes us as supremely strange in the Potter books can actually be explained by the conjurings of the scientific mind. This is the perfect guide for parents who want to teach their children science through their favorite adventures as well as for the millions of adult fans of the series intrigued by its marvels and mysteries. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Review of The Science of Harry Potter
Woah- This book was obviously very well researched and thought out. Whats-his-name went to a lot of effort to write this book. Though, as an obsessive 15 year old harry potter fan, it didn't make me happy! It took all the magic out of the books. it explained how every bit of magic the book had could be really happening, but with out magic! He took the all the fun out of it! When i bought it i thought it would tell me how the magic worked, not how it wasn't real. i was highly offended.

A good book to think on
This book is for people who enjoy reading about what people have tried/done in the past and what people will be trying and doing in the future

This book is not really directed towards children more to someone who enjoys reading about science. From start to finish a lot of names, ideas, experiments, and questions are given. A great read for anyone who likes to wonder. This book provokes hundreds of what if questions and the reader is left to just wonder how the world would be with these things.

The thoughts and ideas in this book are LOOSELY based on the 'magic' in Harry Potter. The ideas in the Harry Potter books are expanded and talked about at great length with not only what if questions but how scientists in the past and present are (without first seeing it in Harry Potter) trying to achieve real life 'magic'

The science of Harry Potter?
I received this book as a gift and, upon reading it, now consider it a valuable addition to my collection. There are a few things, however, that I've noticed some other reviewers pointing out that I would like to go into. The author of the book considers himself a Harry Potter fan. In fact, the majority of scientists he consults are also supposedly fans of the series. The book, however, is less about Harry Potter and more about science. Essentially, it is a book describing and explaining the realistic possibilities of scientifically creating the "magic" used by the wizards in Harry's world. If anything, the book should be retitled, "The Science of Harry Potter: How Muggles Use Technology to Acheive What Magic Already (Potentially) Does."

It is, however, incredibly well researched and is obviously a labor of love and dedicated interest. I would suggest this book to any Harry Potter fan who also enjoys reading about science. It is not, on the other hand, what the average Potter fan would consider casual reading. This is a science book, discussing topics ranging from quantum physics to ethnobotony and could very well be considered boring by most people's standards.

Ignore the writing style and enjoy the information
This book does an amazing job introducing the "magical" world of science. I am amazed at the author`s research and discussion of emerging scientific fields--such as levitation and teleportation--in layman`s terms. Anyone with science or Harry Potter in his/her heart will love this book. Sit back and relax and enjoy the tid bits of information the author offers. However, if you expect the author to stay on topic, totally relate to the Harry Potter books, or draw any comprehensible conclusions...you will only frustrate yourself. Ignore the writing style and enjoy the wealth of information.

A set of lively scientific insights
The immensely popular Harry Potter fantasy books are used as source material in The Science Of Harry Potter as a foundation for discussions of scientific and historical issues ranging from connections between hallucinogens and flying sensations to the science of ethnobotany. Readers of Harry Potter will find here a set of lively scientific insights which go far from Harry's world and into the world of real science. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on new scholarship and designed specifically for course use, The Great Fairy Tale Tradition: From Straparola and Basile to the Brothers Grimm is the indispensable companion for courses focused on the Brothers Grimm and fairy tales in general. As the genre's leading expert, Jack Zipes disproves conventional wisdom regarding the origins of the Grimm fairy tales, which holds that the Grimms collected their tales from the oral traditions of peasants. This is simply not so. Rather, the Grimms took most of their tales from literary sources, rewriting them again and again. These tales are based on a great literary tradition, which this volume documents. The fairy tales—116 in all—are grouped thematically and are accompanied by detailed introductions and annotations. "Criticism" provides seven important assessments of different aspects of the fairy tale tradition by Jack Zipes, W.G. Waters, Benedetto Croce, Lewis Seifert, Patricia Hannon, Harry Velten, and Siegfried Neumann. Brief biographies of the storytellers and a Selected Bibliography are also included.

About the Series: No other series of classic texts equals the caliber of the Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with the comprehenive pedagogical apparatus necessary to appreciate the work fully. Careful editing, first-rate translation, and thorough explanatory annotations allow each text to meet the highest literary standards while remaining accessible to students. Each edition is printed on acid-free paper and every text in the series remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice for excellence in scholarship for students at more than 2,000 universities worldwide. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Wonderful Textbook
If I was teaching a course on fairy tales, this book would be the course's primary text. Editor Jack Zipes compiled the book with such a purpose in mind and it's a job well done. The largest section, The Texts of the Great Fairy Tale Tradition, is comprised of fairy tale texts grouped into over 35 themes. Examples of themes include: Love Conquers All, Abandoned Children, Shrewd Cats, and Envious Sisters. Each theme has a minimum of two tales--usually more--with an introduction explaining the history of the theme and its tales. Zipes' introduction includes a definition of the literary fairy tale and its history as a genre. Critical essays by respected scholars are included in the Criticism section. Short biographies of the authors, black and white illustrations, and a selected bibliography add to the resources found inside. My only wish is that an index to aid with finding and cross-referencing tales had been included. This book makes a great reference book or textbook for the armchair scholar at an affordable price. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

More than just pictures!
I picked up this book, expecting to find essentially a picture book. However, this book is so much more...and it is lovely.

The book begins with an introduction by Leonard Marcus, the children's book reviewer for Parenting Magazine and a well-known book critic and historian.

Following this is an autobiography with many personal photos. I found the story of Carle's early years interesting: how he was born in the United States but then his parents returned to Germany when he was six. His father was drafted into the German army during World War II and Carle never saw him again for 8 years, when he emerged from a Russian POW camp weighing 80 pounds. Carle was a lackluster student, mainly because his creativity was stifled, but he did have some empathetic art teachers in Germany. In his early 20s he returned to the U.S. where he was promptly drafted into the army!

The next section of this book was by Ann Beneduce, the first editor to publish Carle's work. She first commissioned him to illustrate a cookbook. After that, she decided to publish his first book "1,2,3 to the Zoo" but could find no one in the United States who could satisfactorily produce it, so she had it done in Japan.

Next, Viktor Christen, a German editor, wrote about Carle's vision and what it means to children.

Takeshi Matsumoto, the director of an art museum for picture books in Japan, wrote an essay about Carle's use of color.

The text of a speech, entitled "Where Do Ideas Come From?", given by Carle at the Library of Congress was the next section of this book. He gave this speech to librarians and educators in 1990 at the International Children's Book Day Celebration.

Next was a photo essay on his technique of paper coloring and collaging, which also explained why he colors white tissue paper rather than buying pre-colored papers (they fade with age).

Lastly was a section of illustrations from his books, in chronological order. I found it interesting to see how his art had changed and become much more detailed in 30 years.

Eric Carle's books "do special things" read all about them!
Inspiration is the first word that comes to mind after reading about Eric Carle's successful life as an author and illustrator. This book contains information about his childhood, his books, but most important his art. I especially enjoyed reading the section about where he gets his ideas. What is so special about Eric Carle's books? Many people all over the world could answer that question. My favorite answer is from a little boy named Paul, he said: "One reason I like your books is they do special things." ... Read more

Book Description

The Book Tree is a new, handy guide to use in gathering select children?s books from the library or the book store. It points to all the major classics and favorites, as well as many lesser known stories. Its summaries are divided into preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Three indexes make for easy navigation. ... Read more

Book Description

60 Creators of Favorite Children's Books Talk About Their Work
Easy-to-read profiles of your students' favorite authors and illustrators: Anno, Beverly Cleary, Eric Carle, E.B. White, Donald Crews, Judy Blume, Chris Van Allsburg, Virginia Hamilton, and many more. Includes writing activities, bibliographies, and a special birthday index. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Essential and Inspirational
"Meet the Authors and the Illustrators, Volume One" is both a mental and a physical tool for young readers because it has the potential to either spark or further encourage their interest in books. Photocopying individual worksheets is not prohibited, as noted in the copyright information, and would be instrumental as a classroom reference for every child. Suggested activities proposed by the featured professionals, coupled with the insight each has volunteered in their previously presented interview, foster an atmosphere of literary acceptance. A definition of writing styles, solutions for writer's block, the importance of researching and rewriting, as well as the source of an author's ideas are presented with each profile in a transcriptual style, answering the intuitive reader's silent questions. Favorite childhood authors, such as Dr. Seuss, produce juvenile memories, while more advanced novels invite the reader to explore for himself. One of the most valuable assets of this collaboration is its tangible insistence that authors and illustrators are indeed ordinary people, coping with the challenges of creativity in the same ways as young people. Photographs, biographical synopsis, and bibliographical summaries also provide familiarity, reinforcing the concept of average people with extraordinary talent. If an open book is an open mind, "Meet the Authors and the Illustrators" is an essential introduction to the halls of literature.

I met them~
This is a terrific resource book! As a public library children's librarian, I am so often asked if I know anything about the kids' favorite authors. Now I have a reference book that helps me answer those questions! Many of our favorite authors are included, such as Tomie dePaola, Steven Kellogg , Chris Van Allsburg, and my personal favorite, Jean Fritz. "Meet the Authors and Illustrators vol I" has a wonderful, unique feature. The book is divided into two sections: Picture book authors, and Intermediate authors. Sixty authors are included! I can't wait to get Volume II! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Techniques and life teachings of wilderness survival
Great book for children and adults that Love their kids enough, to give them simple learning skills that could come in handy, when we least expect it. I know of kid's that have already truly been saved by the lessons taught in such a way that, children remember them forever. Everyone should have a copy of this fine work in their home, because we all like the outdoors, but we never know when we might need the guiding know-how in this handbook. As willy says, "make it back safe." ... Read more

Book Description

Since Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, fantasy has become the hottest genre for young readers today-thousands of fantasy novels have flooded into the market, and young readers can't get enough. Librarians can build their collections and advise readers with Lynn's comprehensive guide, describing and categorizing fantasy novels and story collections published between 1900 and 2004. More than 7,500 titles-nearly 2,800 new to this volume-for readers grades 3-12 are organized in chapters based on fantasy subgenres and themes, including animal, alternate worlds, time travel, witchcraft, and sorcery. Lynn provides complete bibliographic information, grade level, a brief annotation, and a list of review citations, and notes recommended titles. ... Read more

Book Description

Inventing the Child is a highly entertaining, humorous, and at times acerbic account of what it means to be a child (and a parent) in America at the dawn of the new millennium. John Zornado explores the history and development of the concept of childhood, starting with the works of Calvin, Freud, and Rousseau and culminating with the modern "consumer" childhood of Dr. Spock and television. The volume discusses major media depictions of childhood and examines the ways in which parents use different forms of media to swaddle, educate, and entertain their children. Zornado argues that the stories we tell our children contain the ideologies of the dominant culture--which, more often than not, promote "happiness" at all costs, materialism as the way to happiness, and above all, obedience to the dominant order. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Cultural Creation Discovered
This book will change your views on how to raise your kid and, in a deeper level, help understand the deadlock our society is in and how to try to break free of our habits of violence and destruction.
It analyzes the myths and books we feed our children and the subconscious message we hand to them everytime they go to a Disney movie or consume merchandising. It also explain the amount of violence they are directly subjeted too by unknowing and loving parents. Truly an eye opener.

A Zornado Disciple
This book has a keen approach and an insightful take on children's culture. As a student of J. Zornado and having read his book, I have gained a new perspective on children's literature and it's influences on children. While some of this information is quite difficult to swallow, I'm sure Dr. Zornado would reassure the reader by telling him or her, that this material is hard because it shatters the ideas that we have implanted in our minds....

A revolutionary book--brace yourself!
Come and see a new intellectual baby! With this book, a new field is born: interpretation of literature from the perspective of a child's primal needs. Inventing the Child asserts two radical ideas: (1) that each work of literature reveals specific culturally sanctioned childhood violations of its author, and (2) that adultist ideology is necessarily propagated through literature, no matter how "great" that literature may be. J. Zornado has written an angry, impassioned, intellectually courageous book about childhood, literature, and adult blindness. His radical childhood studies perspective gives entirely new readings to Hamlet, Grimm's fairy tales, and Where the Wild Things Are, among other works. You don't have to agree with all his ideas--I don't agree with his second assertion above, if I understand it correctly--to be deeply impressed with what this book attempts and glad to embrace the new field it represents. Welcome to the world, Baby-as-yet-unnamed! (Radical childhood studies is not too catchy, but it will do for now.)

The Story of Childhood Revealed!
Inventing the Child is a book for every person. It is a masterpiece of insightful and passionate views on why our world has become the way it is(children killing one another etc.)...the ways that parents, culture and society tries to make children into what they think children should be. It helps to explain what is truly behind Walt Disney and his productions and why adults feel that they must dominate their children. It is a must read for anyone who has children of their own and for anyone who teaches children, it is also a must read for anyone who was invented as a child and is working through who they really are. J. Zornado has found and is helping the world to answer the question of why so much happens in our society that isn't "normal". Let us be so thankful he is teaching this to college students and to the world! I highly recommend this book to all!

The Cultural impact on our children.
J. Zornado's clever and often humorous account on what it means to be a child is highly entertaining and thought provoking, touching on the works of Calvin, Freud, and Rousseau. The book delves deeply into the influence on the children of our culture through all mediums. A must read for all who are interested in the survival of our planet. ... Read more

Book Description

Kathy Watson explores Mary Lamb's famous crime and her remarkable relationship with her brother Charles.

Author Mary Lamb, long considered by historians a mere adjunct to her brother Charles, was a woman of contradictions: fiercely domestic yet unmarried; maternal yet childless; a peaceful, loving woman susceptible to bouts of extreme violence.

In this fascinating book, Kathy Watson traces the extraordinary intertwined lives of Mary Lamb and her brother Charles, authors of the perennial children's book Tales of Shakespeare. Their uncommonly close relationship-an ersatz marriage-was bound ever closer after Mary murdered their mother with a carving knife during a psychotic episode. Sharing the same constellation of friends-Coleridge and Wordsworth among them-yet plagued by Mary's manic depression, the Lambs' lives have long been shrouded in ambiguity.

In The Devil Kissed Her, Watson documents the nature of Mary's mental illness and the terrible crime she committed in its haze, the lifelong devotion of Charles, and the brother and sister's dual existence in both the calm domesticity of their home life and the bedlam of nineteenth-century mental asylums. ... Read more

Book Description

Literature for children appears in many genres, each with its own conventions and traditions. But beyond the mechanical devices, beyond the crafting of a well-wrought tale, lies wisdom of heart. Wisdom of heart is experienced by child and adult alike, but sharing the experience is sometimes as difficult for the adult as it is for the child. Butler's book brings adults into active participation in sharing literature with children, challenging adults to confront the inner child in themselves. She calls this "restorying the adult." In addition, she shows how literature can be shared with children in conjunction with storytelling, games, dancing, singing, puppetry, acting out, and other fascinating and creative activities. Using the best available standards of literary taste and an educated intuition, Butler chose pieces for feeling, value, quality, and balance. The five themes that form the major divisions of the book: Toys and Games, Fools, Masks and Shadows, Sex Roles, and Circles, grew organically from a decade of study of the shared literary interests of children and adults. Each section is further divided by genre; in over one hundred and sixty selections, she presents folktales, folk rhymes, folk plays, fantasy, fiction, poetry, essays, mythology, fables, drama, biography, and biblical writing. Far from being a comprehensive book that tries to cover the field or present a microcosm of the child's experience, or the human experience, or experience of the universe, and so on, Sharing Literature with Children is only the beginning of a great experience that opens out into the almost limitless potential of the world of great literature for children, or for that matter, of all literature. ... Read more

Book Description

Upon publication, Anita Silvey"s comprehensive survey of contemporary children"s literature, Children"s Books and Their Creators, garnered unanimous praise from librarians, educators, and specialists interested in the world of writing for children.
Now The Essential Guide to Children"s Books and Their Creators assembles the best of that volume in one handy, affordable reference, geared specifically to parents, educators, and students. This new volume introduces readers to the wealth of children"s literature by focusing on the essentials — the best books for children, the ones that inform, impress, and, most important, excite young readers. Updated to include newcomers such as J. K. Rowling and Lemony Snicket and to cover the very latest on publishing and educational trends, this edition features more than 475 entries on the best-loved children"s authors and illustrators, numerous essays on social and historical issues, thirty personal glimpses into craft by well-known writers, illustrators, and critics, and invaluable reading lists by category.
The Essential Guide to Children"s Books and Their Creators summarizes the canon of contemporary children"s literature, in a practical guide essential for anyone choosing a book for or working with children. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Truly an Essential Guide for Learning About Children's Books
I'm a children's book editor, and run a web site called "The Purple Crayon," where I review this book in detail. Here are some excerpts from that review:

The Essential Guide to Children's Books and Their Creators is a handy one-volume reference for anyone working in the field, and also both fun and informative to browse....

Set up like an encyclopedia, the Guide includes more than 475 entries and an index in 500 pages. It opens with a great "Basic Reading List" and then goes to the A-Z listing, which mostly consists of entries about specific authors and illustrators of children's books. Most are American, most are 20th century, but there are people from the 19th century and other countries (for example, George MacDonald, Carlo Collodi, Astrid Lindgren, Margaret Mahy). Some entries on living writers and illustrators are followed by a first-person statement, "Voices of the Creators."

I count 31 feature articles on other subjects, mostly types or genres of books. Examples: "African-American Children's Books," "Alphabet Books," "Series Books," "Middle Grade Fiction," and "Information Books."

I think few readers will quibble with the selections: the authors and illustrators who appear here belong here. Of course, I did find some personal favorites missing, as may just about anyone who has read many children's books....

On the whole, though, this is an excellent and compact reference. You'll find well-written and informative essays on the artists and writers you look up, and random browsing is amply rewarded. If you aren't familiar with American children's literature, this is a good place to start to learn. If you already know the field, you'll still find things you don't know.

(This book is derived from the longer and more expensive Children's Books and Their Creators (1995), which Anita Silvey edited while she was still editor-in-chief of the Horn Book magazine. This edition includes a selection of entries from that book, plus 100 new entries to bring it up to date.)

An Indispensable Reference
This is a fabulous resource for anyone interested in children's books. It includes 475 biographical/critical entries on current and classic writers and illustrators as well as essays on topics such as chapter books, poetry, fantasy, and book design. A special "Voices of the Creators" feature presents thirty personal essays from writers such as Katherine Paterson, Kevin Henkes, and Lois Lowry. There's also a useful graded booklist. Highly recommended for parents, writers, readers, and school and public librarians.

With over 100 new essays
Essential Guide To Children's Books And Their Creators is a recommended pick for any parent or teacher who wants a comprehensive survey of contemporary children's literature. A single volume of recommendations covers the best books and authors for children - the ones which are tested as making the most impression on kids. Over 100 new essays include newcomers from Harry Potter to Lemony Snicket, along with the latest publishing trends for kids. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (27)

A doll's life
Success requires three elements: dreams, desire and discipline. Dare Wright, author of The Lonely Doll series and the subject of this biography, embraced all three and manifested her success through her photography, paintings, design and fashion sense and her writings. She was a relentless innovator.

Even so, author Jean Nathan presents an oddly sad, narrow view of Wright as an emotionally fractured woman with a childlike andinappropriate appreciation of the world. Her biography is a detailed examination of Wright's troubled psyche that seems more obsessed with Wright's inner demons than with highlighting the fantastic and arresting imagery she produced in spite of her conflicted nature. Nathan focuses on the causes too much at the expense of the effects and for this reason I gave this book three stars.

Dare Wright was a woman way ahead of her time heedless of social conventions or expectations. She was a colorful, independent character despite Nathan's melodramatic and stilted characterization. But kudos to Nathan for bringing Wright's story to life even if in such a soapy way.

Dare Was the Lonely Doll.
One day Jean Nathan remembered a book from her childhood and set out to find a copy.It was a most unusual book of photographs of a blonde doll with her bear companions, father and son.In 1957, it was popular with girls; I had boys so we missed it completely.

There were nineteen books for children altogether, ten of which included the bears.One scene in particular showed father bear spanking Lonely Doll.She named the little girl doll Edith after her mother; it was an actual doll from her childhood.Her mother Edith had been a portrait painter, and father Leonard an actor and drama critic.

After the marriage ended, the mother described as a "free spirit" entered a fantasy world for herself and her daughter.The photographs of her parents used for the wedding announcement were separate and in profile.Both were handsome people, as was Dare as a grown woman.There are nude pictures of her on a beach.

Jean Nathan located Ms. Wright in an indigent hospital in dire circumstances out on an island in New York and visited with her and her California friends.She was given a scrapbook and suitcases of memorbilia when the apartment on W. 58th St. which had been featured in 'Good Housekeeping' in its hey-day was being packed up and closed.

The first book was called THE LONELY DOLL, then came LONELY DOLL LEARNS A LESSON, EDITH AND MR. BEAR, and A GIFT FROM THE LONELY DOLL.Dare Wright, never allowed to 'grow up,' died in 2001 at the age of 87.

Respectful Bio for an Unusual Woman
Jean Nathan's fascination and respect for her subject is clear. Extremely readable and filled with photographs, Nathan attempts to fill in some of the blanks about Dare Wright that quite frankly, can never be known. Most of Nathan's analysis of Wright's psychological profile seems accurate, but at the same time, there are contradictions and unanswered questions. But that makes Dare even more of a mystery, as she seemed to be even to the people who knew her. Nathan skips over lurid details of Dare's sad final years, perhaps out of respect for the author.

Great Story, Great Book
Jean Nathan's journey in search of lost time to find a book and a memory leads her to the kind of great story that any writer would die for.This is a great story and Ms. Nathan knows it.The better news is that this is a great book, and it's because the author is up to it: surprisingly personal and moving, sensitive to its subject, but not sentimental; scholarly and well-researched, but compellingly written; fascinating, more than a little haunting, but not lurid or sensational.(And Ms. Nathan can write.)

More than a biography, like the best literature it reveals to us a world and a life we never knew existed.And it's a book that transcends its subject matter.As a reader I'm always less interested in the story or the subject than I am in the book that's telling it.This book could have been a lot of things, but it feels exactly like what it should be.It surprised me.I highly recommend it.

Questionably Researched, but Addicting Nonetheless
"The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll" is an addicting account of a damaged individual, children's book author Dare Wright. Jean Nathan tells the story of a life stunted by neurosis: Dare Wright is the victim of an overzelous mother and an over-active notion of chastity. Unfortunatly, the story of Dare Wright is the victim of an overzealous writer and poor editing.
Jean Nathan writes in the style of a journalist: she is fond of the partial quote and has a yen for the em-dash. She is enthusiastic about her subject matter, Dare Wright, and does a thorough job researching and reporting to the reader every sordid detail of Ms Wright's life. Unfortunately, this book suffers from poor editing and even poorer copyediting. Misplaced commas and missing periods are a disappointment in any text; the fact that the word "diaphanous" appears over five times in this book points to a bad copyeditor.
Ms. Nathan inserts herself, rather awkwardly, into the storyline. Ms. Nathan reveals to the reader that she met Ms. Wright at the end of her life. She also reveals that Ms. Wright has no close relatives to speak of, and the reader begins to question the sources for this book--is it all based on the memories of a bed-ridden ex-alcoholic?A good editor would have told Ms Nathan to remove herself from the story of Dare Wright's life and add some sort of a source list. Ms. Nathan also attempts some heavy-handed literary criticism of Dare Wright's childrens books that should have been stymied.
Although this book is flawed, it is the story of Dare Wright that keeps the reader interested. One ends up wondering: Is sibling incest is so wrong? It may have saved Dare Wright from a life of lonliness. ... Read more