Picturing the World: Informational Picture Books for Children by Kathleen T. Isaacs, and: Multicultural Storytime Magic by Kathy Macmillan (review)

Isaacs, Kathleen T. Picturing the World: Informational Picture Books for Children. ALA, 2013. 206p. ISBN 978-0-8389-1126-6 $50.00

Defining an informational picture book as one that is intended to convey factual information through a marriage of text and illustrations, Isaacs provides a selection of 250 nonfiction/informational titles published within the last five years specifically aimed at children ages three to ten. A brief introductory chapter examines the traditional definitions of nonfiction and picture books and how such definitions work and sometimes do not work within the world of information books, citing particularly tricky categories such as narrative nonfiction and collections of poetry dealing with factual subjects. The entries for the selected titles include complete bibliographic information, age-level guidance, and notes on any awards won. Useful in both school and public libraries, this is a focused, valuable resource. Title, author/illustrator, and subject indices are included.

KQG

Macmillan, Kathy. Multicultural Storytime Magic; by Kathy MacMillan and Christine Kirker. ALA, 2012. 241p. ISBN 978-0-8389-1142-6 $47.00

MacMillan and Kirker provide a series of storytime activities that emphasize diversity in American society, diversity in the world, and diversity in abilities. Focused on incorporating multiculturalism into the everyday experience of children, the authors arrange book recommendations, fingerplays, flannel boards, and crafts around forty-four kid-friendly topics, including “ABC Time,” “Family,” and “Food.” Folktales and legends are drawn from a wide range of sources, including Native American tales and stories from China and Japan, while the fingerplays and crafts incorporate elements that can be used with children of varying abilities. The appendix includes culture notes and an index of entries by culture.

KQG