February 2008
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Spreading the News
What is the most common phrase we hear about the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)? That it is “one-stop shopping.” Why? Because it is the most complete source of information about children’s and young adult media. It is the next best thing to having the book in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best books.
Recently, a librarian was approached by a grandmother who needed some titles to share with her grandchild. The child was being teased by his classmates because he was not living with his parents. The librarian said this was a difficult search in his library’s holdings. Using CLCD, with its ability to search through the body of the reviews, we quickly and easily found several titles that would satisfy the request.
We are always delighted and sometimes amazed at how the CLCD is put to work to help you manage all the tasks that surround a book: from reading reviews to ordering, from adding it to your collection to creating reading lists, to getting the right books into the hands of those depending on you. That is “one-stop shopping” the CLCD way, for sure!
We have a sweetheart of a deal for this month to celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you can encourage a colleague to subscribe (new subscribers only), we will offer a 5% discount on your renewal and on their purchase of a subscription, and if you bring in two new subscribers we will sweeten the deal by giving you 10% off on your renewal.
Quote of the Month
"The pre-service teachers here at Bowling Green State University have embraced the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. Many of their assignments involve creating annotated bibliographies and presenting children's books that require them to search out resources by topic and grade level. A quick demonstration of the CLCD and the students are beaming with appreciation. Our statistics show that they are using it often both on campus and from remote sites. We couldn't be more pleased."
Kathy Yoder, Librarian, Curriculum Resource Center, University Libraries, Bowling Green State University
Having just completed the American Library Association (ALA) Conference in Philadelphia, and based on the questions posed at demonstrations of CLCD, we decided that it might be helpful to repeat a couple of our search tips. You have probably heard that expression "less is more" from the famous architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The same is true of the CLCD database when you are searching. To get the best result, start simple with a broad subject term and then continue to refine your search. That way you have a much better chance of getting exactly what you want and perhaps some serendipitous hits. If you are a power user and know exactly what you want, then by all means put the title, phrase, author name or whatever you know in the search box and use the appropriate qualifiers.
We have updated our feature about Black History Month. Be sure to take a look at all the intriguing new titles to share with your readers, such as Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles R. Smith Jr. with illustrations by Bryan Collier. It has been named a Coretta Scott King Honor Book for 2008.
Are you looking for titles for a Valentine’s Day display or gift? Our list, which includes titles such as, Who Do You Love? by Mandy Stanley and I Want a Hug by John A. Rowe can surely sweeten up your display and will make great presents for those on your Valentine list.
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Author Features
Marc Aronson tackles a huge subject in his new book, Race: A History Beyond Black and White. Marc talks about this thought-provoking work in this interview.
Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black discuss their “true collaboration” in the creation of The Spiderwick Chronicles, the movie version of the same name which premiers on February 14, and their newest book, Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie’s Song.
Renowned historian Philip Dray, discusses what brought him to write his first children’s book--Yours For Justice, Ida B. Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist. “Ida Wells backed down to no one; she took her message everywhere…” By understanding the woman who was such a strong opponent of lynching, students will come to understand more about American history and racial intolerance.
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CLCD Newsletter Editor, Sharon Salluzzo serves as a library and education consultant to CLCD. In addition, Sharon is a book reviewer, a storyteller, and a member of The Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC. She currently serves on the ALSC Quicklist committee. Sharon 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.