Guiding Images: Helping Gifted, Talented and Creative Children by Gil Caudill, James M Croteau

A wonderfully readable book for parents, teachers and counselors; it targets the social and emotional needs of gifted children. Research, generalizations, theoretical frameworks, specific strategies and activities are included.

Sections on “Counseling Relationships,” “Personal Counseling Areas,” “Counseling Perspectives,” “Special Populations,” and “Tales” may be used in any order. Each begins with a problem or issue for discussion/thought. The purpose is to explore prior knowledge and to place into perspective the information that follows. The theory, model or research summary overviews the topic. Research is summarized. Theoretical paradigms are discussed with practical applications. Models are offered as frameworks for activities and generalizations. Generalizations based on research provide a substantive base for prescriptive activities.

Although the best setting for this book is course or group study because of the opportunities for discussion, practicing activities and receiving feedback, the authors also encourage parents to adapt the activities for home use.

In the section on “Special Populations,” the authors discuss Highly Gifted, Creatively Gifted and Talented, Female Gifted, Minority Gifted and Talented, Rural Gifted and Handicapped Gifted.

There is an extensive bibliography and comprehensive resources for further reading.