CM February 16, 1996. Vol. II, Number 18

image How A Book Is Published.

Bobbie Kalman.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON: Crabtree, 1995. 32 pages. CIP.
Library binding, $20.95, ISBN 0-86505-618-8.
Paper, $7.95, ISBN 0-86505-718-4.

Grades 1 - 6 / Ages 5 - 11.
Review by Jane Robinson.

*** /4

excerpt:

ADVICE TO YOUNG AUTHORS

Bobbie Kalman's books are very popular with children because of one magic ingredient -- Bobbie and her writing team ``live" their books. Whether it is researching clothing of the past or studying rainforest birds, the team gets totally involved . . . When you put your feelings and opinions into a story or book, people will enjoy reading your creation. Your writing will be special if your love shines through!

As the author of more than one hundred children's books, and as a publisher, Bobbie Kalman seems to follow her own advice. Well known to elementary teachers and children's librarians for her wide range of non-fiction titles, Kalman takes the opportunity in this new addition to her ``Crabapples" series to show us her team's behind-the-scenes magic.

The result is a highly appealing, attractive, informative look at the creation of a book. Each step is explained and complemented by full-colour photographs -- from the brainstorming of an idea to the researching, writing, editing, illustrating, designing, and printing of the book.

The text and style are simple and concise. Each topic is explained on a two-page spread. Section headings, a table of contents, and an index keep the reader organized. A glossary defines and explains technical jargon (each word defined in the glossary appears in boldface type in the body of the text).

The polished and professional approach of the book perhaps over-simplifies the laborious, painstaking, and picky process of publishing a book, but it's hard not to be motivated by all the happy faces in the photographs. Always mindful of the audience, Bobbie frequently relates the ideas back to the school-aged author through the text or the photographs.

At a time when schools are continuing to encourage children's authorship and book-writing skills, this book would be useful in any elementary classroom, school or public library.

Recommended.

Jane Robinson is a teacher in Winnipeg.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cmeditor@mts.net

Copyright © 1996 the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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