CLCD Newsletter | Volume 5, Issue 3

Subject searches in the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD), either by topic (science, politics, art, music, etc) or by individual name, can yield a wide range of books about fascinating women. Another easy way to broaden your knowledge is to look at the themed reviews posted on the Children's Literature web site. Keep in mind that a person who is "famous" to us can be relatively unknown to the current generation of students. The CLCD can help you find the best books about famous women as well as books about those who are less well known. All of them are important role models for tomorrow's builders of community. Our features Women of Note and Women's History Month both offer suggestions for your "Builders of Community" book display.

This month of brisk breezes brings out one new and a favorite feature. Encourage your students to discover the science as well as the art of kite flying in our Kite feature.

In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb
by
Lorie Hill

March roars in like a lion
So fierce,
The wind so cold,
It seems to pierce.

The month rolls on
And Spring draws near,
And March goes out
Like a lamb so dear.

The vagaries of March weather include its winds, and if you would like to know more about the Wind, take a look at some of the books in our newest feature.

In keeping with our theme of wind, we are featuring illustrator Nicholas Debon this month. He is the illustrator of The Warlord's Messengers, a story based on a real invention from ancient China. Here, two children use the power of the wind to get a timely message from the emperor to the warlord.

		Volume 5, Issue 3 March 2006



	Search Tip of the Month This Month's Features Spreading the News Announcing: A CLCD and Auto-Graphics Partnership. With the addition of content enrichment from CLCD, Auto-Graphics' SchoolCAT™ is transformed from a powerful cataloging tool into a comprehensive literary selection tool. Auto-Graphics has been a pioneer and leading provider of library automation for over 35 years. To learn more about this exciting new venture, click here to read the press release. During 2005, Marilyn Courtot, President of CLCD, served as one of the judges for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Four authors and illustrators won the 2006 Prizes for recently published works that promote scientific literacy, are scientifically sound, and foster an understanding and appreciation of science in readers of all ages. For information about the winners—April Pulley Sayre, Sneed B. Collard III, Jeanette Farrell and Nick Baker—visit http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards. ON THE ROAD: CLCD will be at the Public Library Association National Conference in Boston, March 22-24. Come and visit us at Booth 132.


	Other Qualifiers A search can be restricted by specifying qualifiers, such as age, language, author/illustrator name, publisher name, and publication date. Qualifiers are used to limit the search based on the specific words or parameters that appear in specific qualifier fields. Although searches will most frequently be performed based on words and phrases entered in the Word Search field, searches can be initiated based only on words entered in the other qualifier fields. In that regard: The Age qualifier may be used to limit a search to items for children of a specific age. This qualifier is based on the age range specified in reviews, so only records with reviews will be selected. The Language qualifier may be used to limit a search to items written in a specific language. If a specific language is not selected, all languages are included in the search by default. The Author/Illustrator qualifier may be used to limit a search to items by a specific author or illustrator. The Publisher qualifier may be used to limit a search to items published by a specific publisher or press. The Publication Date qualifier may be used to limit a search to items published between two specific years. To restrict a search to items published in a single year, enter the specific year in both boxes. The Lexile Range may be used to find books that meet the reading level criteria that you enter, but note that only records containing Lexile ranges will be selected. The Other Qualifiers heading is hot linked to a tutorial which presents the information above, should you want to review the descriptions of these functions.


	"Builders of Community" is the theme for this year's Women's History Month is and what a fitting point that is. Women have always been, and still are, community builders. Abigail Adams knew its importance when she pressed her husband for women's rights. Rachel Carson knew it when she expressed concern for the future of the environment. Mary Church Terrell knew it when she helped establish the NAACP. Everyday-Moms know it when they encourage their children to be peacemakers. Subject searches in the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD), either by topic (science, politics, art, music, etc) or by individual name, can yield a wide range of books about fascinating women. Another easy way to broaden your knowledge is to look at the themed reviews posted on the Children's Literature web site. Keep in mind that a person who is "famous" to us can be relatively unknown to the current generation of students. The CLCD can help you find the best books about famous women as well as books about those who are less well known. All of them are important role models for tomorrow's builders of community. Our features Women of Note and Women's History Month both offer suggestions for your "Builders of Community" book display. This month of brisk breezes brings out one new and a favorite feature. Encourage your students to discover the science as well as the art of kite flying in our Kite feature. In Like A Lion, Out Like A Lamb by Lorie Hill March roars in like a lion So fierce, The wind so cold, It seems to pierce. The month rolls on And Spring draws near, And March goes out Like a lamb so dear. The vagaries of March weather include its winds, and if you would like to know more about the Wind, take a look at some of the books in our newest feature. In keeping with our theme of wind, we are featuring illustrator Nicholas Debon this month. He is the illustrator of The Warlord's Messengers, a story based on a real invention from ancient China. Here, two children use the power of the wind to get a timely message from the emperor to the warlord. One of the first new stamp series of the 39-cent era honors children's book art. Karen Leggett of the Children's Book Guild of Washington DC describes the current stamps and provides some interesting background information for those who loves stamps and of course children's literature. So put some wings on your letters and let them fly though the mail with these new stamps or ones that you can design yourself.


	CLCD Newsletter Editor, Sharon Salluzzo serves as a library and education consultant to CLCD. In addition, Sharon is a book reviewer, a storyteller, an editorial board member of Capitol Choices and a member of The Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC. She earned her MLS at SUNY Geneseo. About the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database Our monthly newsletter is now available to everyone within an organization, not just the primary contact. A new feature at www.childrenslit.com will provide you with a form allowing you to sign up for just the electronic newsletter. The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, updated mid-month, is your most complete source of information about children's books. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the book in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best books. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD or contact us, go to www.childrenslit.com.