Promoting children's books

Promoting children's books

I have just returned from an extensive trip to Indonesia,
Malaysia and Singapore. My purpose in being in Indonesia was to
assist Dr. Murti Bunanta in giving workshops related to
storytelling, children's books and reading.

Indonesia is home to persons of Islamic, Christian, Hindu and
Buddhist beliefs. All of these religions use parables, stories or
hadith, to teach simple truths of life. I was already familiar
with many Indonesian stories, but I found many new ones, and
discovered that there are still very good storytellers in
Indonesia. You should do all you can to promote this rich
heritage.

I would especially like to commend the work of Dr. Murti
Bunanta and her organization. They are doing such remarkable work
in trying to promote the cause of good oral and written
literature for children in Indonesia. She and Suryadi (Pak Raden)
deserve medals for their devotion to this cause, which is so
important to Indonesia's future.

ANNE PELLOWSKI

Winona, Minnesota