Reading Rockets: Xarpages: Page by Page by Maria Salvadore

Children's Book Week: a real celebration

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:57:05 GMT

Children's Book Week (CBW) 2012 ended on May 13 but the work of celebrated children's authors and illustrators is sure to continue throughout the year. I have this year's CBW poster hanging in my office. Created by three-time Caldecott Medalist Davis Wiesner, the poster has recognizable characters from renowned children's book creators coming together on a busy street. (For me, it's a what-if scenario; I wonder what would Marshall's George & Martha say to King Babar & Celeste with Wiesner's own three pigs walking on the cross street with Thing One and Thing Two running down the sidewalk … I bet children could come up with even better ideas than I can ….) Perhaps they are heading to the CBW Gala, who knows? It was hosted by the very clever Jarrett Krosoczka (whose interview can be viewed on Reading Rockets. You can also see Jarrett in action at the Gala.) It really reminded me of the Academy Awards program. Nominees were announced, snippets of the books were shared by young people, portions of the books were shown, and then The Winner. Authors and illustrators accepted these awards decided by children's voting — these are the Children's Choice Awards after all. Children's Book Week started a long time ago — 1919 to be exact. My guess is that young people today still like many of the same things: they like to laugh, they like books with feeling, and (increasingly) they like pictures. It seems that young people also like having a voice — more than 900,000 votes were recorded. Let's continue to listen to them especially during the summer when reading prevents the dreaded summer slide — but only when reading is fun. Take a look at this year's Children's Choice books and creators. They may appeal to the young readers in your life, too.

The loss of a friend

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:01:08 GMT

I never met him but still feel like I've lost an old friend. Maybe we all lost a longtime friend this week. Maybe we thought he'd go on forever  and I suppose in some ways he will. Maurice Sendak's death last week was widely reported including the [i]Washington Post[/i], on NPR, in the [i]New York Times[/i]. The appreciations keep coming. And they should. Sendak's books have been read by several generations. They speak to contemporary kids as clearly as they did their parents  and even their grandparents. We had shared [i]Where the Wild Things Are[/i] so often that my son was able to "read" it aloud to the delight of his pre-K class. Some of Maurice Sendak's books have offended adult sensibilities (his fantastical [i]In the Night Kitchen[/i]; illustrations for a collection of Mother Goose rhymes entitled [i]I Saw Esau[/i], for example). But his distinct style and unflinching respect for children and their ability to handle deep emotions  whether or not they are able to talk about them  is evident in each of his books. Sendak changed children's literature forever because of his trust in children's ability to recognize emotional truth. Maurice Sendak will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks to Justin Duvall for allowing his artwork to be used. © 2012 Justin Duvall

Musings on a digital world

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:27:11 GMT

I'm seriously considering getting my first-ever tablet soon. Not only would I be able to travel without the heft of enough books to keep me going for a week or so, a laptop wouldn't be needed for email and I could even read my favorite newspapers. As an adult, however, I know how easy it is to be seduced to follow a link that takes me way off whatever topic I started with; what about children who are just beginning to develop skills to stay on task? A recent link sent to me by a friend who knows my concerns about digitizing the world in which children live and learn made me think about where we're heading. South Korea is putting the brakes on making all of their elementary, middle and high schools textbooks digital. Where are books going? They're being offered in multiple formats  digital, physical, audio  often from the time of their release. Is one format more effective for children than another? Why? What is the impact on a child's capacity to focus; to imagine; to solve problems creatively? How do digital books impact children at different ages and stages of development? There doesn't seem to be a great deal of consensus yet and certainly these formats haven't been around long enough for meaningful longitudinal studies. Some are suggesting the death of the book. But it does seem that more thought and research is needed before we diminish the role of physical books.

Fun with science and math IS possible

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:15:53 GMT

All too often, children hear the word math and they freeze. It just can't have pleasure associated with it nor can it possibly have anything to do real life. Math really is everywhere but like the narrator in Jon Scieszka's funny and slightly offbeat Math Curse (Viking), fear of it can be a serious affliction. It can even impact how children perceive and school success — and eventually their career choices. Well, this weekend in Washington, DC, there's a free event, the USA Science & Engineering Festival, devoted to engaging children and adults in the excitement and possibilities in these subjects. There will be lots of authors talking about their books including Sean Connolly who's written The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math (Workman). Even those who suffer from a serious math aversion will appreciate the approach of this book. It presents outrageous stories which can be solved by math. It was the step-by-step explanations that helped me understand some principles that had left me in the dark for what has been a long, long time. Whether or not children understand all of math concepts presented doesn't seem to me as important as the pleasure presented in trying to figure out (as the book's cover declares) "24 death-defying challenges" and the fun of their fantastic, humorous stories with comic illustrations. It's a multi-pronged approach that seems likely to engage the most reluctant young mathematician. Putting some pleasure back into science and math not only makes STEM education more fun but just may present chances for families to find positive new — and important — shared experiences. Yuo might also want to check out Reading Rockets' Literacy in the Sciences tip sheets for parents (in English and Spanish).

Beyond Earth Day

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:28:12 GMT

A friend of my son and I were talking about a high school course he's taking on environmental science. He said that it wasn't as much about saving the planet as it was saving people. I thought about what he'd said and I agree — at least in general. Where does respect for the environment and people begin? When children are very young. My son's interest in observing backyard birds started when he built a small birdhouse as a 6-year old Cub Scout and continues to this day. I was reminded again of this when I read a recent picture book biography entitled Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle (Farrar) by Clair Nivola. Earle's devotion to the outdoors started early on as a young child living in New Jersey. When she was 12, her family moved to the Gulf coast of Florida where her mother is quoted as saying "that Sylvia 'lost her heart to the water.'" Sylvia's wonder becomes the reader's wonder as they examine this handsomely illustrated, beautifully told, and well researched look at one person's life in and near the ocean. And like Sylvia Earle, the more we know, the more we'll want to learn, and the greater care we'll take of this beautiful resource. There are a number of books that are likely to generate interest, inspiration, enthusiasm to last beyond Earth Day. Who knows what wonders will start with a child's sparked imagination?

April celebrations

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:42:59 GMT

April is a month full of promise. The sun feels warmer, the days are longer, and there are celebrations galore. 100 years ago, the people of Japan gave cherry trees to the people of the United States. The centennial year of this gift is celebrated with events in Washington, DC all month long during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. April is National Poetry Month and Keep America Beautiful Month. Families and teachers can find out about these and other April celebrations through books and information and other resources. And where better to find them but at the library? And of course, April being a month of promise holds special festivities for libraries. It is School Library Month. Interestingly, the theme of its first national observance in 1985 was "Where Learning Never Ends: The School Library Media Center." That statement really applies to all libraries but especially important to families: the public library. Notably, this week is also National Library Week which celebrates books, reading, libraries, and more. Making libraries part of every celebration is sure to keep April magic going long beyond the 30th!

Authors are real!

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:51:18 GMT

When I was growing up, I thought that all authors had to be dead and gone to have a book published. That misconception has quite happily been dispelled. I've even gotten to know some published authors, all of them quite alive and well. Many of these authors enjoy hearing from their readers. One kindergarten class recently read books by Kevin Henkes and learned more about him. I'm sure that these children and their creative teacher discovered that Kevin won the Caldecott for Kitten's First Full Moon; that it looks different than his other books like Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse or even his newest, Penny and Her Song (all Greenwillow) — and lots more. Their teacher, Laura Caplan, keeps parents informed of classroom activities through regular correspondence. Here, Ms. Caplan shares one of the "Bright Spots:" "Earlier in the year, we did an author study of Kevin Henkes and learned about his writing and artistic style. During our exploration of cities, our class created our own city, Gan Shemeshville. The class did research in Dupont Circle and saw that there are statues of important people located in roundabouts. As a result, the class decided to create a statue of Kevin Henkes in a roundabout in Gan Shemeshville. The class insisted that we write him a letter to inform him of our work and show him a picture of his statue. A week later, we received a personalized thank you letter from Kevin Henkes and a signed copy of his newest book that wasn't published until days after he sent it to us in the mail. This has been a thrilling experience for our class to reach out to a beloved author and hear that he appreciates our hard work." Because of the thoughtfulness, creativity and concern of an inspired early childhood educator and a remarkable author, a group of kindergarten children are on the road to becoming lifelong readers and writers. That's something to celebrate. My guess is that the children's statue of Kevin Henkes will be put in a place of honor — Ms. Caplan was going to the post office today to mail it; maybe next to his Caldecott Medal.

What books do best

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:02:08 GMT

Books entertain, educate, inform, engage, and more  more than we may realize. Readers meet others and see themselves in them. They may feel validated, see change, or may be changed by a book. A recent piece by Katia Hetter exploring how children's books help families explore diversity brought this home for me. Each of the mentioned in this article has withstood the test of time; many of these books help adults tackle difficult ideas, share them, with their children and allow children to see themselves in story. I think that the range of books may also teach something to adults, helping them figure out what withstands the test of time and multiple readings as well as how books in which story comes first convey often touchy themes or ideas effectively. Readers  regardless of age  are engaged readers. I may never again read any version of the folktale, "Bremen Town Musicians"  a favorite of my son when he was very young, read literally hundreds of times  with no skipping parts allowed. There are others, however, that held up well  and which we still quote and produced shared experiences to this day. Farmer Duck is rightfully relieved of his grueling duties and of a slothful human. Ferdinand the Bull is different  but comfortable in his own skin. Max is still loved even though he gets angry. Sylvester is reunited with his parents who never give up. Strega Nona's wisdom can clean up even Big Anthony's mess. And no matter how bad today may be, there's the promise of tomorrow as Alexander figures out. Books shared often are those in which children may most readily see themselves, their families, and their feelings. They are also the ones that can be happily shared again and again.

Beyond cookies

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:23:43 GMT

I was one. So was my sister. We did lots of things in Girl Scouts, but what I remember most is summer day camp and selling cookies — door to door — and having a good time with other kids. I don't remember being taught anything specifically, though I learned a lot. We were part of a Girl Scout troop where learning was engaging and part of all activities. As I listened to the radio today, I found out that Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Lucille Ball were once Girl Scouts, too. (Each of these women clearly took the Girl Scout motto "Be prepared" to heart!) The very first meeting of an American troop of Girl Scouts was held in March 2012 headed by Juliette Gordon Low. Juliette Low, nicknamed "Daisy," was a spunky girl, well ahead of her time. Who would have thought that her organization, established before women could even vote, would still be in existence — and seemingly thriving — a century later; perhaps because it took on the characteristics of its founder. Readers interested in Juliet Low can meet her in a new picture book biography by Shana Corey. Here Come the Girl Scouts!: The Amazing All-True Story of Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure (Scholastic) with lively illustrations by Hadley Hooper, presents Daisy and her lively personality, often through Daisy's own words. For older, more sophisticated readers, there's First Girl Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low (Clarion) by Ginger Wadsworth, a highly readable, well researched look at Low and the early Girl Scouts. It's a terrific anniversary to note, especially during Women's History Month. Who knows... maybe a Girl Scout of today will be tomorrow's Secretary of State. She might even become U.S. President. After all, when one is ever-ready, anything is possible.

Reading across America

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:36:04 GMT

Today is Read Across America Day! It celebrates the Doctor's birthday (Dr. Seuss, that is) and the joy he created with his wonderful imagination. Because of Theodor Geisel, we have unforgettable characters like the mischief-making Cat in the Hat, an environmentally concerned guy named the Lorax, the 20th century Scrooge named the Grinch, and an exceedingly kind elephant named Horton who saved the Whos from utter obliteration. (These and other Seuss creations as well as the doctor himself can be explored on a highly interactive website.) In the official White House proclamation declaring March 2, 2012 as Read Across America Day, the President calls upon "children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities." My hope is that the day's activities — and there are lots everywhere — continue throughout the year. There is drama, humor, mystery, hope, camaraderie, information — and well, you name it, you can find it reading. So thanks — and a happy birthday — to Dr. Seuss.

How stories relate to their readers

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:49:35 GMT

There has been lots of interest in what's next for J.K. Rowling, famous author of the Harry Potter series, though it seems likely that Harry Potter will live on in audio, print, and DVD for the next generation to enjoy. That's the thing about good stories — they continue to be fresh regardless of when they were created. Rowling has recently signed a contract for an adult book. There's lots of speculation as to whether or not it will continue in the world of wizards or if it will be something entirely different. Who knows? But since almost an entire generation has grown up with Harry — plus lots of adults — there will be no lack of readers. Harry Potter has been read by young and old (or at least experienced!) alike. So what is the difference between a book for children and one for adults? It can't just be the age of the main characters. There are lots of novels for adults that have young characters. Scout's narration in To Kill a Mockingbird begins when she is about 6 years old, while in the easy reader series, Mr. Putter and Tabby, the title character is depicted as an elderly man. Maybe we spend too much time trying to decide who can decode words and not enough thinking about how a story relates to the reader's experiences — actual or vicarious, social or emotional — and the entire "got to" versus "get to" read/hear/view the story. Let's not forget the ability of a good writer to create characters that readers can relate to. The craft involves taking readers places — and enjoying the journey.

Why getting out matters

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:01:03 GMT

I remember many years ago sharing a book with photographs by Bruce MacMillan with a group of inner-city preschool children. They were bright and vivacious and eager to share what they knew. While I no longer remember the title of the book, I'll never forget a little boy's response when I asked what the full-color image of a black and white cow was. He exclaimed with authority, "A dog!" It made sense: both dog and cow have four legs, a tail, and other physical qualities in common, both could be found outdoors, both could be black and white; and without a scale to measure it by, they both might appear in a picture to be similar in size. The child knew what he had experienced personally: he had come across dogs but never a cow. And he had never gone far beyond his own neighborhood. A recent article in The New York Times reminded me of this preschool and the power of learning through experience. Teachers at a Brooklyn school are taking their young students to lots of places in the community such as an auto repair shop. Before and after the outing, they read books. One child read Honda, the Boy Who Dreamed of Cars by Mark Weston (Lee & Low) but younger children interested in basic car parts might enjoy Byron Barton's

Libraries and the achievement gap

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:51:41 GMT

Is the growing gap in children's achievement primarily fueled by economics? What other factors may have a role in it — and how can the apparent trend be reversed? A recent piece in The New York Times reports studies that indicate a widening fissure in educational achievement between rich and poor. But it also suggests other factors may be at play. Access to books, computers, knowledgeable staff, and other resources can be found in well-funded (but often not) school and public libraries — key "equalizers" in helping students achieve. Where else might a child (and adults) meet authors like Charles Dickens — especially during his bicentennial birthday month? My favorite introduction to this literary hero — sure to engage and inspire young readers is Charles Dickens: Scenes from an Extraordinary Life by Mick Manning (Frances Lincoln), illustrated by Brita Granstrom. This and other work by this author/illustrator team is not well known; its publisher is U.K.-based — enhancing the importance of library collections. So let's introduce writers — contemporary and classic — to all children equitably and make sure that libraries are open and staffed to do so. That's a key ingredient to narrowing the achievement gap.

We're all hyphenated Americans

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:11:24 GMT

We're all hyphenated Americans really. It's the way we identify our backgrounds and that's fine. If, however, identification by self or others becomes a way to maintain separation, well, that's not fine. I was reminded recently that books are important as both "mirrors" and "windows" as I introduced books to a group of teenaged parents. They were learning about their children's development and the role of literature and language in it. How sharing books with babies and toddlers develops empathy came up when we read Ten Little Fingers & Ten Little Toes (Harcourt) by Mem Fox. One young mother exclaimed that the babies were multicultural — and that one looked like her 8-month old daughter. She figured out that the range of faces in Helen Oxenbury's simple but appealing line and watercolor illustrations reflected the diversity of the world in which this child was growing up; that the child would eventually grow beyond her family. What this suggests is that books introduce readers to myriad people of all backgrounds — even in homogeneous communities. Children need to see themselves and meet others. These books must have a universal appeal, an emotional authenticity, and enough story to keep readers engaged. Ezra Jack Keats' Snowy Day (Viking) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Peter, a young African American boy, enjoys a snowy day in the city — just like children everywhere. That the book is older than the teachers and parents sharing it is a testament to the book's widespread appeal. I'm no longer in 3rd grade, my parents didn't divorce, but I do remember trying to make new friends like Dyamonde Daniels. Dyamonde is a bright child whose everyday ups and downs in her new neighborhood ring true not only for newly independent readers but for readers of all ages. And Dyamonde is an African American girl. For middle school readers, the difficulty and joys of growing up in Planet Middle School (Bloomsbury). An African American girl gradually comes to accept the inevitable changes of growing up in this sometimes funny, sometimes touching, novel in verse. All girls (and guys) old and young will see themselves in Joylin as she starts to come of age. It's Black History Month. Let's try to continue it beyond February. African Americans and other hyphenated Americans should be recognized and celebrated throughout the year. It's sure to help children develop empathy to last a lifetime.

And the winner is ... children!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:37:56 GMT

It's always heartening to be with other booklovers — especially those who recognize that the younger we start sharing the power and pleasure of language and story with children the more likely they'll grow into lifelong learners. It was exciting to attend what has become known as the Youth Media Awards announcements at the midwinter conference of the American Library Association. I sometimes wonder about the effect of too many awards (it sure made for a lengthy program). Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? Are there too many honors given? But I've concluded that awards can help identify books (in one form or another) that are in some way outstanding in this overcrowded field. Sometimes authors and illustrators are recognized more than once, as was the case with this year's Caldecott Medal winner. Chris Raschka received the 2006 Caldecott for The Hello Goodbye Window (Hyperion) and the 2012 Medal for A Ball for Daisy (Schwartz & Wade/Random). While Raschka has a unique style, he uses it very differently in [i]...Daisy[/i]. The story, which is told almost entirely without words, unfolds rather like a comic book. The visual storytelling, however, needs no words to convey the small dog's joy in a toy, the devastating loss, and ultimate friendship. Young children are the most likely to take the time to carefully examine the illustrations, but readers of all ages will recognize the emotions in this seemingly simple presentation. So congratulations to all the award winners and especially to Chris Raschka who has joined a select group of artists who can claim more than one Caldecott Medal!

Super Ambassadors for young people and reading!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:29:59 GMT

What do a red cape, a magic wand and a light sword represent? Each seems to be a sign of magic, heroics, something more than mere human, right? What happens when the writers who hold these objects come together in one room? They become the superheroes and spokespeople to let the world know about the importance of reading. These are the Super National Ambassadors for Young People's Literature! Together, their power can change the world! And that's just what current and former Ambassadors have set out to do. Newly inaugurated Ambassador Walter Dean Myers flanked by outgoing Ambassador Katherine Paterson, and Jon Scieszka, the first Ambassador, talked to a standing-room-only crowd at the Washington, D.C. independent bookstore Politics and Prose Bookstore on Tuesday. They talked about the power of reading. Each shared personal stories about their passion and power of story and reading. They have each seen the power of story, how books change lives — even save lives. It's a big job to catch and keep the country's attention to remind them of something as seemingly simple yet powerful as the power of reading, books, and libraries. Learning to read requires time, patience and resources. Libraries have to be open, materials accessible. It's a never-ending job — but one with endless rewards. I am confident that the current Ambassador — with the support of his predecessors and of teachers, parents, and others — is more than up for the position. So as your work continues, congratulations again, Mr. Ambassador! We're behind you 100%!

A new year and a new National Ambassador

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:34:51 GMT

A new year has started and with it a new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Our new Ambassador continues a short but highly distinguished group of spokespeople for the importance of literature in the lives of children and young adults. Walter Dean Myers will assume his newest role next week at a ceremony at the Library of Congress. Walter Dean Myers writes books for every age. Each unique book reflects a particular interest of the author, his passion for history, and a depth of understanding about young people's emotional response to difficult situations including war. Mr. Myers has been a longtime presence in our home. One of my son's favorite books as a young child was Brown Angels (HarperCollins). He enjoyed the lively, rhythmic poetry and meeting children who lived long ago. It didn't matter that the children in the old photographs dressed differently and didn't really look like my son. He instinctively understood that they all shared something more meaningful; perhaps it was simply childhood. My son was introduced to the Viet Nam war (in which his favorite uncle was involved) in Fallen Angels and later what soldiers experienced in Iraq through Sunrise Over Fallujah (both Scholastic). He was able to glimpse prison and the justice system, pondering guilt and innocence — from the outside and from the inside — with Monster (Amistad). Readers of all ages can go on a Blues Journey (Holiday), listening to its music in the poetry while envisioning the period from which it grew through the evocative illustrations by Myers' son, Christopher Myers. They can meet a real African princess taken to England At Her Majesty's Request (Scholastic, o.p.) and feel the pressure of guns and gangs with Jamal in the Newbery honor Scorpions (Amistad). So, congratulations Walter Dean Myers, Mr. National Ambassador of Young People's Literature! We look forward to an exciting term — and always, always to your next books.

Traditions

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:19:54 GMT

Even though the weather is mild, it's still December. We've just passed the winter solstice; with it, the shortest day of the year (or the longest night, depending on your perspective) and a timeworn source of various observations. December is filled with celebrations and traditions. A recent PW posting reminded me that a relatively new American tradition of the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (perhaps inspired by the UK Children's Laureate) may be catching on. It has been started across another body of water. Boorie Pryor and Alison Lester have been named the first Australian Children's Laureates. Many books by these children's book creators are available in the U.S. to the delight of readers of many ages from the youngest to young adult. As the Australian tradition begins, the American Children's Ambassadorship continues. In January a new Ambassador will be announced as Katherine Paterson "retires" from her two years. I am confident that her ambassadorial theme, "Read for your life," will continue. Here's hoping that your December traditions — traditional or not — are fun, festive and memorable. All good wishes for the New Year!

Classic slow downs

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:14:50 GMT

Have you been around a school or even a group of children in the past few days? They seem to be having a tough time sitting still, concentrating. Lots of adults are, too. December is a busy month: presents to buy or make, wrap, give or receive; parties to prepare for; friends and family to see. And more, lots more. Maybe it's time to slow down and celebrate the season with a good book. You may want to start with a couple of holiday classics, like Chris Van Allsburg's [i]Polar Express[/i] (Houghton) or [i]How the Grinch Stole Christmas[/i] (Random) by Dr. Seuss. Though they couldn't be more different in style and presentation, both books deal with believing and faith. Readers can visit familiar friends like in Karma Wilson's [i]Bear Stays up for Christmas[/i] (McElderry) or share Clement Moore's [i]The Night Before Christmas[/i] (Little Simon) again with Robert Sabuda's amazing pop-ups. If you tired of all of the holiday brouhaha, then how about taking a look at the season? There are lots of snow-filled classics that share well again (and again and again). Share Peter's fun on [i]The Snowy Day[/i] (Viking) or join a girl and her father as they search for a nocturnal bird when there's an [i]Owl Moon[/i] (Philomel). Take a close look at snowflakes with [i]Snowflake Bentley[/i] (Sandpiper) or see how a dull town is transformed by [i]Snow[/i] (Farrar). And if you do slow down with a book, then maybe — just maybe — the busy season won't feel quite as frenzied.

Understanding images starts early

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:35:20 GMT

I enjoy reading, sharing, and sometimes just thinking about picture books. There's been a lot written about them lately; some people are even calling for their demise. But I know better. They help children understand their world. I was reminded of the power of pictures when I read a recent blog by Joanne Meier, fellow Reading Rockets blogger. She wrote about "infographics" which are visual representations of information or data. Adults use them all the time. I look at the weather online and in the newspaper — especially when bad weather is expected. We quickly absorb information conveyed by images, almost in one fell swoop. It's just the opposite when reading words. Then we take in information little by little, having to put it together to gain meaning. (I think of the words that compose a sentence, the sentences that make a paragraph, etc.) Words and image come together in "infographics" to create meaning quickly but in some depth. A young child gains meaning from illustrations much as we all do (that is, of course, if adults bother to really look any more). What is conveyed? Meaning, certainly. (It's a cat, house, tree.) Mood, most likely. (It looks happy, sad, scary.) Attitude, perhaps. (What will children come away with, for example, if all scientists are depicted as male?) Words and image come together in the picture books in many ways and in ways that are both traditional and unexpected. The range of styles and media used are as broad as any museum collection. In picture books, words and illustration can be deceptively simple (Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggy books, for example) or lush and complex (such as Gennady Spirin's Firebird). But together they create meaning for readers young and experienced. And that meaning is all the more significant (and fun) when shared between an adult and a child.