Children's Literature Gems: Choosing and Using Them in Your Library Career (ALA Editions)
Bird writes in a chatty tone reminiscent of her popular blog, A Fuse #8 Production, and her love of children's literature shines through on every page. This slim volume is not meant to be an in-depth textbook, but rather a brief overview of the field and an introduction to the stars of children's literature. There are several lists of recommendations, most notably the 100 Children's Books That Belong in Every Library. Shorter lists cover baby books, overlooked novels and picture books, middle-grade titles to booktalk, and great picture-book read-alouds. Highlighted boxes throughout feature questions and answers from seasoned professionals on how they handle various parts of their collections and aspects of their work. Readers who are new to the field may find this a comforting basic guide to managing their collections. For instance, the chapter on how to use your materials touches on displays, reference and readers' advisory, storytimes, storytelling, booktalking, and book parties. A chapter on professional development outside the workplace is also included. Practical advice in a compact form.–Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NYEND