Letters

After reading editor Evan St. Lifer's letter to the First Lady on the importance of school libraries (June 2002, p. 9), I thought I would share the situation in the Prince George's County (MD) public school system. Fourteen certified librarians have been told they will not be rehired and there is a shortage to date. Why? Because we media specialists are not considered classroom teachers. After working 24 years as a media specialist, teaching reading, planning, and implementing media skills, and having an important impact on student learning, I will not be rehired. This has put a serious dent in my faith in our system concerning our children's overall education.

Saundra N. Coleman
Library Media Specialist
Hillcrest Heights
Elementary School
Temple Hills, MD

School Library Journal recently published a review of Jeana Thomas's How Louie Became a Safety Swimmer (Charm, 2002; May, p. 129). Reviewer SusanLissim completely missed the compelling evidence supporting the importance of this, the only book available to gently teach children the importance of water safety. Obviously she has no idea of the devastating statistics underscoring the need for education. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children under the age of four, and the second leading cause of death in children under age 14.

As a grandparent and substitute teacher, it has been my privilege to use Thomas's book as an introduction to water safety. It has been my experience that children age 3–8 are easily drawn into the story line, enjoying the adventures of the various fruit characters. This book has provided a special opportunity to send a life-saving message in a readily understandable format.

Lissim writes, "the book is unattractive and confusing." I find her perceptions unique. Children find the characters enchanting, and I have not found one instance in which the reader was "con- fused" in any way. Adults find Louie a welcome opportunity to present an important safety issue in a non-threatening and delightful manner.

How sad that one reviewer can misrepresent such a valuable educational tool and resource. SLJ has overlooked an important opportunity to support much-needed education in an area of preventable tragedy!

Marion Goff, Teacher
Cumberland County Schools
Fayetteville, NC

I agree that a book outlining water safety is a necessary and, on many levels, essential topic. However, this book does not fulfill the basic requirements of a good nonfiction picture book. It is confusing, the fruit characters act in an exaggerated manner, and many young children could be very perplexed. A basic water safety rule is: Don't go in the water without without the supervision of an adult. This story totally ignores this rule, and children, thinking that they will always be saved, may not follow instructions. I would welcome a title on the subject that is straightforward and less cutesy. I would never suggest that there is no need for books on water safety—just not this one.

Susan Lissim, Librarian
Dwight School
NY, NY