D Is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Yongsheng Xuan is a picture book about Chinese New Year that follows the alphabet and shows many aspects of the celebration.  The format, the text and the illustrations are all very child-friendly.  The illustrations are stylized and filled with bright primary colors.  Each page features textural Chinese letters behind the paintings, adding another level to the illustrations.  There is also a cat on every spread that reacts to each new letter and item.  This one is sure to draw all children into the holiday and give them a lot of information as well. 

The Phildelphia Inquirer has a great article, “In reading, Dick lags far behind Jane” that speaks of the gender gap in reading, college education and advanced placement classes.  It gives several of the theories of why this gap is happening as well as some remarks from boys themselves.  Important information for all of us working in reading with children.