NoveList^® is pleased to provide a new, creative feature, the Picture Book Extender. Picture book extenders allow librarians, teachers and parents to integrate picture books more deeply into a child's learning experience. The picture book extenders can be used as a comprehension tool, as enrichment to curricular content areas, and as a springboard to exciting and interesting activities that are suggested by a picture book's content.

According to Duncan Smith, NoveList product manager, "Because we believe that books are powerful teaching tools, we offer this feature in hopes that it will encourage librarians, teachers and parents to view the picture book as a treasure box of opportunity. Instead of just reading a book once or twice, it can be used in many ways to develop a lesson, encourage critical thinking and work on curricular objectives. "

Each picture book extender provides:

• Questions and answers that evaluate comprehension, as well as touch on literary elements such as theme, characterization, setting and point of view.
• Vocabulary words from the text with definitions designed especially for younger children.
• Extension activities that can be used in the classroom or with a parent at home.
• A list of titles that offer further exploration of the theme or author.

Currently, 25 picture book extenders are available for titles ranging from Albert by Donna Jo Napoli and Baboon by Kate Banks to Good-bye, 382 Shin Dang Dong by Frances and Ginger Park and My Dad's Baseball by Ron Cohen to Storm in the Night by Mary Stolz and Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg. Additional titles will be added on a monthly basis.

EBSCO Publishing, EBSCO Subscription Services and EBSCO Book Services form the EBSCO Information Services group. EBSCO is a worldwide leader in providing information access and management solutions through print and electronic journal subscription services, research database development and production, online access to more than 100 databases and thousands of e-journals, and e-commerce book procurement. EBSCO has specialized products and services for academic, medical, government, public and school libraries as well as for corporations and other organizations. EBSCO maintains a comprehensive database of more than 282,000 serial titles and upholds active relationships with more than 60,000 publishers worldwide. EBSCO has been serving the library and business communities for almost 60 years. For more information, visit www.ebsco.com.

Contact: Hansi Kess (800) 653-2726, ext. 564 hkess@epnet.com

Release Date: Oct. 23, 2003