November 15, 2002
| By Patricia Pelletier Living/Arts Editor “I would say that it’s one of the most important and prestigious events we have at the college,” said President Dr. Helen Heineman. As part of the David McCord festival, FSC welcomed Mary Burns and Pat Keough to guest speak at a children’s literature book review in the College Center Fireplace lounge last Thursday evening. Mary Burns is a former professor at FSC and organized the McCord Festival while she taught here. This year, the event was hosted by Mary Pat Craig, Curriculum librarian, and Anne Levine who work in the curriculum Library at Whittemore library. There was also a book signing prior to the event in 1839 Room by children’s literature author Allen Said. The evening began with a handout of a list of recent children’s book titles that are of particular interest. Educators from surrounding schools came to hear the children’s book discussion of all titles from non-fiction, fiction and picture books. The book synopses interested the audience of educators and parents so much that many present in the room where taking notes. The festival was named after David McCord, who “is perhaps one of the most famous poets of children’s poetry in the country,” said Heineman. McCord had a very close attachment to the college, and the festival draws hundreds of people every year. Burns and Keough intrigued the audience with intelligent and perceptive observations about history, the individual authors and content of their stories. One observation was that bright, colorful pictures in children’s stories are important. This is mainly because children’s literature is so visually oriented. Another observation was that book size can play a role when choosing books to read-aloud to children in a large group setting. Burns and Keyo suggested several picture book stories that might interest elementary education teachers and parents. “The Brave Little Seamstress” by M. Osborne is a popular title for initiating discussions for older children. One great quality of the pictures is the “photo-realism of the art.” For younger children in a group setting, K. Wilson’s “Bear Snores On” is a good choice. It is a “nice size for a read-aloud” story, and “the language is delightful.” Burns also shared some stories that she personally adored. “The True Prince” by J.B. Cheaney is “the best of adult stories of all that I have read.” The story revolves around political issues and there is visible development of characters and plot with the play. Another favorite book is “Wild Man Naked” by Hobbs. The story focuses on a poor family who overcomes obstacles. “Each chapter is about a small goodness,” said Burns. “I love this book!” Stories not only paint colorful pictures in the minds of children and adults, but sometimes books can be a lesson in history. Burns and Keough shared stories from non-fiction and biography books about natural occurrences of volcanoes and the existence of birds to human created miracles like bridges. Keough described Prager’s “Volcano!” as “an example of ‘National Geographic’ jumped into a science book.” It does not contain a biography or index, but the information is accurate and appealing. There is also an activity contained in the book that can incorporate children learning into a hands-on activity of building your own volcano. Another choice that Burns and Keough added to the list is called “Beaks!” The book is a study about all types of birds and the functions their beaks. There is also an activity included in this non-fiction work called the “beak ability test,” which is a fun way to connect with children in a learning environment. The next book, “Bridges: From My Side to Yours,” by Adkins, goes back in history from the first constructed bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a comprehensive book about the origin of bridges and includes a glossary of terms. The book has black and white print and has a “wonderful interaction between illustration and artwork.” Burns added. Later, Keough introduced a children’s book full of imagination and colorful pictures of dinosaurs. Kerly’s “The dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins,” is not just “another book about dinosaurs.” All the books presented at this event are good for class discussion, children participation or just good old-fashion fun. “Rely on imagination," said Burns. It can bring you anywhere you can dream. |