Volume 4, Issue 4
April 2005
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Spreading the News
Oh, to be a poem now that April's here!
In this, the age of sound bites, where folks want just a few words, poetry can speak volumes. Whereas sound bites never convey an entire thought, a poem can put a topic into perspective. It allows you to see an issue, object or personality in a new light. With a particularly adept phrase or word, it can bring on a whole range of emotions. Poetry breaks are suitable for any time of the day: read a poem when your students or coworkers arrive in the morning, just before lunch, or finish the day with a poem.
Naomi Shihab Nye spoke at the Michigan Reading Association annual conference in March and suggested a poetry wake-up call. The first person to get up in the morning selects three poems to read to everyone still in bed. I cannot decide which would be better: to select and read my choice of poems or to be awakened by poetry.
With the CLCD (Children's Literature Comprehensive Database), you can read the reviews for the most recent poetry titles or find treasures from the past. You can search by subject. With opening day of Major League Baseball this month, why not present a poem or two on baseball. Simply type in the words Poetry and Baseball, select the grade level or age level you want and see what interesting titles appear. William Shakespeare's birthday is April 23. Since it is a Saturday this year, celebrate the eve of his birthday by reading one of his sonnets to your students. Since "April showers bring May flowers," shower your students with poems and see what blossoms.
There is a special poetry feature at our Homepage this month to let you know about the newly published titles as well as the best from the last few years.
In response to the inquiries to link CLCD with a library or school's OPAC or WEBPAC, we are pleased to announce that this feature has been tested and implemented. If you are interested in adding this capability, please contact CLCD at 1 800 469 2070.
Also later in April, when we undertake our monthly update, look for some slight changes to the search screen. We will be adding capabilities for searching to find authors and illustrators who have web sites and to also to allow searching using the Lexile Codes.
Our Children's Literature Choice List 2005 list is now available on our Homepage, making it easy to consult as you are selecting the best of the titles published in 2004 for your collection.
This month marks the 200th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. Using our feature, you can plan fun and fascinating birthday celebrations and library displays on this writer and his literary fairy tales.
Our three featured authors this month write historical fiction, contemporary stories and retell folktales. They are:
Laura Elliott, whose titles Under a War-Torn Sky (2001) and Annie, Between the States (2004) have been noted for both their literary qualities as well as their historically accurate depictions of World War II and the Civil War, respectively.
Ann Brashares, who has just published the third book in the "Traveling Pants" series entitled, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood (2005).
Diane Wolkstein, the acclaimed folklorist and storyteller, whose adaptation of Sun Mother Wakes the World: An Australian Creation Story (2004) is an excellent choice to read to young children as the world renews itself in springtime.
Our monthly newsletter is now available to everyone within an organization, not just the primary contact. A feature at www.childrenslit.com will provide you with a form allowing you to sign up for just the electronic newsletter. Discover for yourself what Karla Schmit, Professor, Library Department, Librarian Laboratory School, Shippensburg University says about the CLCD, -"Every author, every title, every time."
About the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database is your most complete source of information about children's books, audio recordings, and films. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the item in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best materials. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD, go to www.childrenslit.com.