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From: "PUBYAC\: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

To: "PUBYAC\: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2000 00:01:18 CDT

Subject: PUBYAC digest 180

PUBYAC Digest 180

Topics covered in this issue include:

1) Re: Funniest Reference Question Request

by "kathy crawford" <kathy_crawford@hotmail.com>

2) Harry Potter's Azkaban

by "Morley Library Children's Room" <mlkidsrm@oplin.lib.oh.us>

3) Re: Harry Potter and stuff

by Ed Spicer/Ann Perrigo <espicer@triton.net>

4) *stumper-peas/mashed potatoes/chicken book

by Lawrence Reference Staff <lawinq@mcl.org>

5) RE: Summer Reading Prizes

by Sue Ridnour <SRidnour@flower-mound.com>

6) Funny Reference Questions

by "Tatar, Becky" <bltata@aurora.lib.il.us>

7) The perfect summer reading incentive

by Naughyde@aol.com

8) RE: Harry Potter 4

by Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

9) Re: Harry Potter at ALA

by Mary Ann Gilpatrick <magilpat@walnet.walla-walla.wa.us>

10) "Super-Readers"

by bkworm@mindspring.com

11) Re: Funniest Reference Question Request

by Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>

12) Re:Mysteries for Storytellers

by "Denise I. Matulka" <dimatulka@alltel.net>

13) Christian fiction or propaganda?

by "Lodge, Debra" <ldebra@bellsouth.net>

14) [Fwd: Christian fiction or propaganda?]

by "Lodge, Debra" <ldebra@bellsouth.net>

15) RE: "Super-Readers"

by "Minkel, Walter (Cahners -NYC)" <WMinkel@cahners.com>

16) Stumper: some princes, a frog, a dirty rag

by Judy Lane <jlane@ns.net>

17) sibling rivalry

by "elaine" <elainem@worldnet.att.net>

18) Re: Funniest Reference Question Request

by "Tammy Daubner" <tlvdinoh@hotmail.com>

19) Re: rubber ducky

by ssteed@parracity.nsw.gov.au

20) Ideas for Book Week in Australia "2000: the edge of tomorrow"

by ssteed@parracity.nsw.gov.au

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "kathy crawford" <kathy_crawford@hotmail.com>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Funniest Reference Question Request

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:35:12 CDT

One of my favorites was when a patron came in asking for the book with the

red cover that was on the best seller list about 2 years ago.

A couple of funnies that are not technically reference requests:

One day, a patron called in to renew her books because she had been sick

with "romantic fever".

Following an elbow injury, I was wearing a brace on my hand and arm. A

concerned patron asked me what was wrong, then said, "I know, you have

corporal...no, carnal tunnel, don't you?" Watch out for those carnal

tunnels!

kathy crawford <kathy_crawford@hotmail.com>

________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

------------------------------

From: "Morley Library Children's Room" <mlkidsrm@oplin.lib.oh.us>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Harry Potter's Azkaban

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:40:28 CDT

Now that the subject of the "Americanization" of Harry Potter has been

brought up, I feel it's a good time to ask a question that's actually

been bothering me a bit, (however insignificant it may be!)--what is the

proper way to pronounce "Azkaban"? (By proper, I mean the way J.K.

Rowling would pronounce it) I just assumed it would be "OZ-KAH-BON"

but I've had a couple of patrons make sure they corrected me so the "A"s

sound like the "A" in the word "back" and not like the the "AHHHH" we

say for the doctor. Am I the daft American or are they??? Or is it

simply a matter of two different sets of rules???

Kathy Gasi

Children's Library Assistant

Morley Public Library

mlkidsrm@oplin.lib.oh.us

------------------------------

From: Ed Spicer/Ann Perrigo <espicer@triton.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Harry Potter and stuff

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:41:43 CDT

On the YALSA list I've been reading comments from a whole slew of people

enthralled with Angus Thongs... Personally, I did not like the book.

However, I'm very pleased to see that many people do and I love reading

why they think so highly of this book BECAUSE it will help me discuss

the book more intelligently with the young women (and men?) who ask or

who have read the book. Consequently, it disturbs me to see the glee (as

opposed to the ideas) from those who do not like Harry Potter and this

leads to a question. What is the place of criticism in a library?

Personally, I think it is possible to use Harry Potter (proudly) to

introduce Golden Compass, et al. Now if a student asked me point blank

about what I think about Angus Thongs or Harry Potter, I would tell the

truth and part of the truth is that I care more about encouraging

expression of what students think.

Formula fiction has an important place in our society; just look at any

of the Grisham titles, most of our early readers, and a host of other

books and movies. It is comforting and entertaining and we need this

just as much as we need great literature. My experience has led me to

the hypothesis that we often don't get students to read great literature

unless they run the gauntlet of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Goosebumps....

AND, if you are like me, you do not continue to read great literature

without an Evanovich or Elmore Leonard from time to time.

------------------------------

From: Lawrence Reference Staff <lawinq@mcl.org>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: *stumper-peas/mashed potatoes/chicken book

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:42:58 CDT

I'm posting this for a co-worker based on his written notes, so I didn't

speak to him. A patron is looking for the title of a book she read as a

child.

Plot: A family knows only chicken, mashed potatoes and peas for food, then

travels to islands where they learn of other foods. (???)

Sorry, I don't know the age of the patron, just that it should be

a children's book.

PLEASE respond to lawinq@mcl.org

Thanks!

Laura Gruninger, Reference/YA librarian

Mercer County Library, Lawrence Headquarters

Lawrenceveille, NJ 08648

------------------------------

From: Sue Ridnour <SRidnour@flower-mound.com>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: RE: Summer Reading Prizes

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:44:11 CDT

Twice now I have seen "blue-collar populations" and "reading incentives"

linked, and I would like to mention that in my fairly affluent community,

what I call the "trinket" prizes are also a VERY big deal. I made a big

mistake this year in setting up the incentive schedule. The kids get to

pick a prize for reading 5 books, then again when they get to 10. However,

at completion of the program (15 books) they get "only" a certificate and

restaurant coupons. While many of the older kids, and most of the parents,

are delighted with the coupons, the little guys get really upset when they

don't get to pick a prize from the treasure chest on their third time.

I have also noticed in several programs at various libraries, that doing

some sort of activity or getting their name up on display in some manner for

having completed some level of the program, is also a big deal for kids.

So, motivators do not always have to be prizes, or require begging or a big

dent out of your budget.

I agree with the person who stated that the posts on this topic have been

very helpful.

Sue

Sue Ridnour

Children's Services Librarian

Flower Mound Public Library

Flower Mound, TX

972.691.0059

------------------------------

From: "Tatar, Becky" <bltata@aurora.lib.il.us>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: Funny Reference Questions

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:45:32 CDT

These are not all from kids, but they are our golden oldies that show up

when we initiate new staff:

1. A student wanted to know how to get to Valhalla on a bicycle. He

wouldn't believe us when we said it was a mythical place. Our feelings was,

ok, take New York Street out to Rt. 59 and turn north.

2. A student from one of the parochial high schools came in and said he

had to do a term paper. His subject - compare and contrast the 4

evangelicals - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - to the 3 Stooges. Hm,

Matthew, Mark, Luke and Mo.

3. An older lady - who didn't sound as if she was on medication - legal

or not, said she had been watching a PBS documentary on TV about endangered

animals. One of these was a tree frog. She noticed right away that this

tree frog looked like - Kermit the Frog. Her question - how did Jim Henson

know to design Kermit like this tree frog that was endangered. After I

stopped biting my tongue so I wouldn't laugh on the phone, the first thing

out of my mouth was that Kermit was not a tree frog, he was a swamp frog, as

was shown in "The Muppet Movie." Her 2nd question - yep - we know that AIDS

started in Africa in monkeys. It was brought here by pigs, who had been

bitten by the monkeys, and were imported to the US. The infected pigs were

eaten by people. At some time, the only creatures left will be little fuzzy

animals, LIKE the Muppets. How did Jim Henson know to design his Muppets

like the little animals that will be left after AIDS kills everyone. For

this lady, we found an article that discussed how Jim Henson invented

Kermit. Henson lived in Mississippi, near a swamp. Made Kermit from his

mother's green coat, and named him after a friend. The second question, -

God forgive us - we gave her the number of Jim Henson Productions and told

her to call them. Sometimes, you don't have to make these things up. This

has been a great week for laughing with this thread. Sorry this is so long,

but I just had to share these.

Becky Tatar

Unit Head, Periodicals/Audiovisual

Aurora Public Library

1 E. Benton Street

Aurora, IL 60505

Phone: 630/264-4100

FAX: 630/896-3209

e-mail: bltata@aurora.lib.il.us

www.aurora.lib.il.us

------------------------------

From: Naughyde@aol.com

To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: The perfect summer reading incentive

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:46:50 CDT

Looking for a perfect summer reading incentive? How about an autographed copy of the new ALA read poster "Know Your Role - Read" . If you are headed to ALA in Chicago, then you have a chance when YALSA hosts

Lunch with Wrestler Mick Foley, WWF wrestler and the author of Have Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. The first 300 attendees at the morning programs listed above will receive a free lunch ticket to this event. No other tickets will be available, but observers are welcome. This event is supported by HarperCollins and will be held at the McCormick center.

patrick jones

connecitngya.com

http://www.connectingya.com

------------------------------

From: Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: RE: Harry Potter 4

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:48:09 CDT

Actually, Doomspell Tournament was never an official title. It was a

"working title," and Rowling decided in March that she didn't want to use

it. However, the new title was supposed to be kept secret until the release

date (the 8th), but was leaked by a British tabloid.

Andrea Johnson

ajohnson@cooklib.org

------------------------------

From: Mary Ann Gilpatrick <magilpat@walnet.walla-walla.wa.us>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Harry Potter at ALA

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:49:25 CDT

Kroch's and Brentano's, the big downtown bookstore when I lived there, will

do something if anyone does.

leslie wrote:

> Another question for you people in the know --- Friday, July 7th, at

> midnight, where should we be when we're in Chicago for ALA? Is there a

> close bookstore party or something? I haven't heard that Scholastic is

> doing anything. Maybe I'm not one of the chosen. So what do the

> unchosen do? Please let me know! Leslie/ First Regional Library in

> Mississippi

> jacobsl@first.lib.ms.us

------------------------------

From: bkworm@mindspring.com

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: "Super-Readers"

Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 11:02:43 CDT

This is in response to the person who wrote that libraries do not need to

reward the "super-readers" (those who consistently read 100+ books every

SR program). My question is: Why not? Do these kids not deserve some

recognition? Maybe motivating non-readers does not have to be the ONLY

goal of a summer reading program. What about all the great readers out

there who love and appreciate the library and make our jobs fun? Heaven

know in our society we recognize kids for atheletic ability, physical

beauty, etc.,----why not recognize great readers? In our library we have

consistently publically recognized kids who reach enormous goals in the

summer reading program. If we, as professionals, sneer at the idea of

recognizing reading achievement, what message are we sending? Believe

me, the folks involved in Little League, pee-wee football, etc., aren't

going to start ignoring their gifted players in the hopes of encouraging

"reluctant athelete" to play.

bkworm@mindspring.com

------------------------------

From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Funniest Reference Question Request

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 11:05:07 CDT

---and did you give her Jerry Spinelli's Wringer?? - :) - jeri

On Sat, 1 Jul 2000, Christine Neirink wrote:

> I just now had a young lady ask for the book "How to Kill a

> Mockingbird" ...

> Christine Neirink <cneirink@vlc.lib.mi.us>

Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller

jkladder@gcfn.org

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Columbus, Ohio

------------------------------

From: "Denise I. Matulka" <dimatulka@alltel.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re:Mysteries for Storytellers

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 11:06:46 CDT

Have you thought about Donald J. Sobol's "Encyclopedia Brown" series.

They are written in episodic chapters--each one is a new mystery for EB

to solve. They have humor and ideal for reading aloud. I also think that

James Howe's "Bunnicula" is laugh-out-loud funny for children old enough

to sit for a chapter or two. I also like Barbara Brooks Wallace. Her

characters are Dickinsian in nature. The plots are slightly dismal, what

with orphans and all, but all-in-all fun and invite voice

characterzation.

_______________________________

Denise I. Matulka

dimatulka@alltel.net

Picturing Books: A Web Site About Picture Books

http://www.geocities.com/dimatulka

Author of "Picture This: Picture Books for Young Adults"

http://info.greenwood.com/books/0313301/0313301824.html

------------------------------

From: "Lodge, Debra" <ldebra@bellsouth.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Christian fiction or propaganda?

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 11:08:34 CDT

First let me say that our library DOES carry several series of

Christian fiction books for children . I have based my selections on

what reviews I could find and a distinction between those books

that hit kids over the head with messages and those that weave the

messages in a bit more artfully. Lately there has been a spate of

requests from adult patrons for the LEFT BEHIND(The Kids) series based

on the adult series by Tim LaHaye (the Kids' is by Jerry B. Jackson).We

had a few copies donated to us this week and I read one this afternoon

as I sat on the beach. This particular title, THE UNDERGROUND, which

seems more aimed at teens than children, was worse than I imagined.

Not only was the Revelations based messaged sledgehammered home on

almost every page but it took a rather paranoid view of school

officials, the government, and anyone who wasn't considered "Christian"

enough to be redeemed. The United Nations was portrayed as a kind of

evil institution with the President of the UN depicted as the actual

Antichrist. The writing was mediocre and didactic. I am worried that I

may be forced into purchasing this title because our collection policy

is extremely vague and because of a vocal minority.I have had no luck

finding a review from a mainstream source. If someone out there has

seen a review or written a review of this series I would really like to

see it. I would especially like to hear from anyone who regularly

reviews Christian fiction.Does anyone have a selection policy that

addresses religious fiction in particular in a public library setting?

Thanks in advance for any help rendered.Views expressed herein are mine

alone and do not represent the Dorchester County Library.

Debra Lodge, Children's Services Coordinator

Dorchester Co. Library,SC

ldebra@bellsouth.net

------------------------------

From: "Lodge, Debra" <ldebra@bellsouth.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: [Fwd: Christian fiction or propaganda?]

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Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2000 13:41:06 CDT

Message-ID: <395EE353.17CF@bellsouth.net>

Date: Sun, 02 Jul 2000 02:38:11 -0400

From: "Lodge, Debra" <ldebra@bellsouth.net>

Reply-To: ldebra@bellsouth.net

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