Experts on Children's Literature, Child's Play and Fairy Tales at Cal State L.A.

Children of all ages are waiting with great anticipation for the upcoming movie release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (PG, 11/16/01). Professors at California State University, Los Angeles are available to address this new wave of interest in children's literature, child's play, fantasy and fairy tales. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is an adaptation of the first of J.K. Rowling's popular children's novels about Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own.

Judith Washburn, Professor of Education
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Judith Washburn, chair of the division of Curriculum and Instruction in Cal State L.A.'s Charter College of Education, is an expert in children's play and child development, children's literature and storytelling. She co-authored The Advocate: Extending the Literature Experience Through Storytelling, and has authored various articles, including "Characteristics of Avid Readers in the Middle Grades." Washburn is a strong advocate of adults' early communication with children and their active playtime participation.

Steven S. Jones, Professor of English
Ph.D., UC Davis
Steven S. Jones, chair of the English Department at Cal State L.A., is an expert in folklore, fairy tales and folklore in American literature. His book, Folklore and Literature in the United States, was named "Choice Outstanding Book" in 1984. Jones also published The New Comparative Method (1990), a book on "Snow White" tales, and The Fairy Tale (1995). He is past president of the California Folklore Society.

If you need a quick directory of experts for other breaking news items, go directly to Guide to the Experts at Cal State L.A., http://www.calstatela.edu/univ/ppa/media/jourpage.htm. The on-line media guide includes 360 experts from Cal State L.A. who are interested in speaking to the media.