The TV Book: Talking Back to Your TV. Rev. ed.

Christine Linge is a past director of the Toronto & District Parent
Co-operative Preschool Corporation, a freelance writer, and a bookseller
specializing in children’s literature.

The TV Book aims to reveal the artifice and commercialism of television,
thereby defusing the medium’s power over young viewers. This revised
edition contains a handful of updates and a substantial new activity
section written by Chris Worsnop. Designed to complement specific parts
of the main text, the 83 different activities are clever and varied, and
can be easily adapted to the classroom environment. Wallace has also
added a comprehensive index. The volume retains the many excellent
features found in the earlier edition. Colorful illustrations, quizzes,
and highlighted info-snapshots once again make the book very accessible.


In a chapter entitled “Welcome to TV Land,” Wallace describes the
conventions that furnish the TV environment and the stereotypes that
populate it. Subsequent chapters discuss how a new series is designed,
debugged, and delivered; how special effects and stunts provide the
necessary illusions; the tricks and talent behind advertising; views on
TV violence; and TV’s future. Each chapter includes an interview with
a professional involved in the area in question. A glossary, excerpts
from the Broadcast Codes on advertising and violence (for both Canada
and the United States), and useful addresses (networks, citizens’
groups) are found at the back of the book. Also included in this revised
edition is a bibliography (“resources”) and list of Web sites.

Wallace learned from her parents that “it was necessary, and fun, to
talk back to TV.” The TV Book will empower young readers to talk back
themselves. Recommended.