Reviewed by: Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide Judith Rovenger (bio) Hearne, Betsy , Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide. New York: Delacorte, 1981. Betsy Hearne's Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide is exactly what its title promises. In a market glutted with texts written in jargonese, it is refreshing to find a book that is both accessible and engaging. As Hearne poses it, the question is, "how do you tell a good children's book from a bad one?" Hearne invites parents to "trust [their] feelings . . . . Picking a good children's book is as easy as making any purchase. Actually, it's more like deciding why you like a movie." Literary purists may be bothered by this somewhat simplistic approach; but by validating the opinions of patents who are intimidated by experts and reluctant to take risks, Hearne may break down their inhibitions. "Your own individual reaction to a children's book, linked to your own involvement with the child, is as important as any expert's recommendation." How reassuring for the many parents who want to participate in their child's reading, but are afraid of making mistakes. In addition to reassurance, Hearne suggests ways for parents to approach children's books. Rather than offering a recipe book of guidelines, she uses examples, synopses, anecdotes, and provocative questions to illumine text and context all to help parents find their own patterns for approaching new books. Short lists of recommended titles follow each chapter to start parents "relating to [their] young . . . over a bridge of books." [End Page 43] Ms. Hearne, a well-known children's book reviewer, has written an inspiring and useful book, for parents of children from babes-in-arms to adolescents. Judith Rovenger Judith Rovenger is the Children's Consultant for the Westchester Library System . Copyright © 1983 Children's Literature Association