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Know what children's books, films will deliver

February 20, 2007 1:28 am

"NO SURPRISES" is the motto of every boss I've ever had. Many parents and teachers feel the same about books for children.

No one likes to experience what a friend of mine once did: In a hurry to choose a book to read aloud, she picked up a picture book with a pretty cover, began reading it to a group of kindergartners, and only then discovered it was actually a book about a little girl whose uncle was dying of AIDS.

Useful though the book might be, this was not what she or the class expected!

This issue has been on my mind ever since I saw the trailers for the new children's film, "Bridge to Terabithia." Based on Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award-winning book, the movie details the growing friendship between 11-year-old Jess and a new girl in town who invites Jess to explore her imaginary world of Terabithia. But while Terabithia is an important element of the story, the heart of the book lies in the relationship between the children, and a tragic event that changes them forever.

But the trailer makes it look like a fantasy along the lines of "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." As one reviewer says, "Bridge to Terabithia is an example of a movie that does not deliver what the marketing campaign promises." (Although he goes on to say that, in fact, "it delivers something richer and more meaningful.")

How can you, as a parent or teacher, avoid unpleasant surprises in the books you choose for your young readers? First, the old cliche is true: You can't judge a book by its cover. But you can judge it, at least partially, by the jacket flap. This is where the publisher is trying to sell the reader on the book. Not every plot point is detailed, but you'll get an idea of what's in store.

The Library of Congress provides summaries for most books. These are listed in the catalog as well as on the copyright page of the book itself. The LC summary for "Terabithia" tells all (caution: spoiler alert): "The life of a 10-year-old boy in rural Virginia expands when he becomes friends with a newcomer who subsequently meets an untimely death trying to reach their hideaway, Terabithia, during a storm."

The library catalog offers more help by linking to book reviews. You can even take a look at the subject headings assigned to the book. The heading "Death--Fiction" offers a clue about contents.

More and more children's writers maintain Web pages these days. A visit to Katherine Paterson's site, Terabi thia.com, reveals that she based the book on a real event, the death of her young son's best friend.

But if you're in a rush and don't have time for all this research, ask a librarian. That's why we're here! Children's librarians read voraciously, so we can help you decide what books will be right for your child.

We can also dig through print and online sources to find reviews and recommendations to help you choose.

We're available night and day--just call, stop by your closest library branch, or ask your question by e-mail or chat 24/7 at AnswerPoint .org. We'll help you avoid unwelcome surprises.