Provide a solid base of fundamental content–help readers fill in gaps in their own knowledge of how children's literature can enhance the reading classroom.

Equip prospective teachers with all of the "tools" they need to use literature effectively in the reading classroom–create a blueprint for integrating literature throughout the reading curriculum.

Delineate specific criteria for judging contemporary and classic literature–teach students how to decide if the latest "hot" title is truly quality literature or merely cute.

Supports prospective teachers with a virtual library of resources–makes choosing and using available books exceptionally simple.

Suggest ways to integrate the wealth of resources available on the text's supplements–show students how to make the most of both the accompanying CD-ROM and the Companion Web site.

Encourage students to "visualize" themselves teaching in such a classroom–provide a template for setting up a rich learning environment.

Highlight action research as it happens in real elementary and middle school classrooms–explain how to create the kind of "living literature" classroom this text advocates.

Introduce readers to the people behind the products–offer unique insight into the exciting world of children's literature.

This VHS tape includes conversations with Joseph Bruchac, Robert Kimmel Smith, Paula Danzinger, Eve Bunting, Brian Pinkney, Jack Gantos, Leonard Everett Fisher, Keith Baker, Molly Bang, Floyd Cooper, Earl B. Lewis, Roland Smith, Gary Soto, Lynne Cherry, and Mary E. Lyons.