Children's literature specialist presents "best books" at Bluffton University

Floyd C. Dickman, a children's literature specialist, will present "Outstanding Picture Books of 2009" at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Kreider Room in Marbeck Center.

The two identical, hour-long sessions, sponsored by The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University, are free and open to the public. Additionally, there will be two sessions held for Bluffton third grade students and home-school students at 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., also in the Kreider Room in Marbeck Center. For more information, please call 419-358-3207 or e-mail lionlamb@bluffton.edu.

This annual event presents an opportunity for lovers of children's literature to gather, discuss and enjoy the best picture books published from the previous year. Awards are bestowed based on the quality of the artwork and how well the literary work correlates with the illustrations. Dickman makes his selections based on the standards set forth by the Caldecott Committee.

"This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves children's books as it exposes them to the best books of the year," said Louise Matthews, director of The Lion and Lamb. "Floyd brings a broad range of experience from teaching and program development in various settings, and his continuing contributions to the programming and development of the peace arts center are greatly appreciated."

Dickman is currently professor of children's literature at the Columbus, Ohio, campus of Kent State University. He received his bachelor's degree in elementary education from Miami University of Ohio in 1967 and his master's degree in library science from the University of Michigan in 1970. He has served as coordinator of library programs and development at the State Library of Ohio; as a Caldecott committee member in 1986, 1994 and 2002; and on the Newberry Award committee. He is also a board member of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center.

The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center of Bluffton University seeks to promote the study of peace, justice, multicultural understanding and nonviolent response to conflict through arts and literature. The center is generally open for visitors from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-noon on Fridays. To learn more about the resources, programs and field trip opportunities offered through The Lion and Lamb, visit www.bluffton.edu/lionlamb/.