by:
Cullum, Carolyn N.

Publisher:
Neal-Schuman Publishers
Published:November 1, 1999
ISBN:1555703607
Format:Paperback
Pages:325

Description: From Library Journal
Cullum, a seasoned children's librarian, has revised the 1990 edition of this resource guide for planning storytime programs aimed at three- to seven-year-olds. As in the earlier edition, she recommends books, audiovisual media, activities, and crafts for theme-based storytimes. Forty-six new themes have been added, and resources for repeated themes have been updated. The suggested filmstrips have been replaced with videos, but a number of these are 60 minutes or more in length, making them questionable for storytime use. A new "topical calendar" listing monthly holidays and observances is a helpful tool for choosing themes. Unfortunately, some crucial missing information is likely to frustrate users. References to recorded songs lack the names of artists or publishers; an appendix lists distributors of CDs and cassettes, but without knowing the basic details about a recording, there is no way to know which one to contact. As in the first edition, the bibliography omits ISBNs or illustrators (a major flaw where picture books are concerned). There are no synopses or suggested age levels for books, making it difficult to decide which titles are worth obtaining. Although a starting point for program planning, its shortcomings make this only a secondary purchase.
-Rachel Quenk, Thomas Memorial Lib., Cape Elizabeth, ME
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description:
Here are hundreds of ideas and thousands of resources for planning story hour programs. Anyone who works with three- to seven-year-olds will find complete guidance about the best picture books to use, as well as filmstrips, films, videocassettes, and toys. Each entry provides complete directions for craft projects and activities such as games and fingerplays. Includes complete print and nonprint media indexes.