May 2008
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Spreading the News
We recently celebrated my granddaughters' birthdays and our gift to each was a new bicycle. They were thrilled! This brought back so many of my own wonderful childhood memories. I can distinctly remember my little white bicycle with training wheels. While there was comfort in knowing that I wouldn't tip over, it was never a smooth ride. There was always that little rolling from side to side. What a wonderful feeling of freedom it was to ride without those training wheels! I could go farther and faster, and in my imagination I traveled around the world.
Although my granddaughters are still in the training wheel stage, I know their excitement comes from the thought of "flying down the street." Oh, and those pink and purple streamers probably don't hurt either! This month is National Bicycle Month. We have updated our booklist so you will have some new ideas for a book display and of course to refresh your collection. Bicycle riding is for all ages and helps us "go green."
When looking for the best in children's literature databases, choose the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD). It is like a sleek, top of the line bicycle that gives you a satisfying enjoyable ride. So, move away from those training wheels and glide through your children's and young adult literature tasks the smooth, swift way -with the CLCD. We guarantee that using the CLCD is easier than learning to ride a bike.
Quote of the Month
"Despite the fact that I have shown our teachers the data base, they still think I'm a genius when I use CLCD to find just the book or books they need no matter how unusual the topic. I use the data base to check reviews when I'm ordering. Happily, I've saved money because the reviews have prevented me from ordering questionable material. I use the data base to create order lists and bibliographies in preparation for author visits. I then use out-of-print sources to get books that are not currently in print."
Diane Driessen, Ph.D., Librarian -- Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School, OH
As you search the database, you may encounter what seems like an anomaly in the reading metrics data—the reading level is much higher than the interest level. This often happens with picture books or books on scientific topics, but it can happen with other books as well. The real advantage CLCD brings is the opportunity to read one or more reviews to understand what the book is about and which of these measurements is truly accurate. The combination of these resources will help you make the best decision whether it be for purchasing or advising a library patron.
Although we think of Ice Cream as a modern food, people have been enjoying it for centuries. You will find books in this feature about the history and the process of making ice cream, as well as picture books and novels such as the mystery for young readers, The Big Scoop by Dorian Cirrone and illustrated by Liza Woodruff.
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11. Be sure to check out some of the newest titles that call to mind this very special person. One of the picture books on our list, Where's My Mom? by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is set in a lush jungle, weaves into the story some basic science, and is a great read aloud.
Get out your bicycle and tune it up for May is National Bicycle Month. May 12-16 is Bike-to-Work Week. Our list of reviewed books includes the history of the bicycle, types of bikes, and stories, such as Bailey's Bike by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt.
Author Features
Linda Buckley-Archer, author of THE GIDEON TRILOGY, answers why she chose the eighteenth century for her time travel novels, and how she molded the main characters for The Time Travelers (book 1) and The Time Thief (book 2). By the way, she also gives us a sneak peak into the not-yet-published final book of the trilogy, The Splintering of Time.
Isamu Fukui gives new meaning to "what I did over my summer vacation." The summer he was 15-years-old he wrote Truancy, a novel for teens with something to say about academic pressure and violence. Read what he, his father (who is the artist Nobu Fukui), and his agent have to say about how this book came to be published.
Jerry Spinelli talks about Love, Stargirl and why he made an exception to his rule of never writing sequels. Did you ever wonder who is the inspiration for his Stargirl? You can find out in this interview.
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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.