כיצד אימהות ערביות משכילות בוחרות ספרים לילדיהן?

The present study examines the criteria applied by educated Arab mothers in the selection of books for their children, namely, language, plot, characters, economic considerations, and others. A quantitative study was conducted, aiming mainly to discover which personal and professional background variables predicted the mothers' choice of books for their children. In order to test our theories, a representative sample of mothers completed three questionnaires: a questionnaire dealing with personal and professional background variables; a statement questionnaire; and a questionnaire pertaining to criteria for book selection by mothers for their children. The results of the study suggest that while the personal and professional background variables contributed partially to the prediction of selection criteria, the number of children and the mother's age contributed more notably to that prediction. In a test of differences by subject's age, significant differences were found in the "values" and "independent judgment" criteria. In addition, eight significant positive interactions were found when the two variables – subject's age and number of children – were involved. Significant effects of age and number of children were also found. This research plays an important role in training young student-mothers to make an informed selection of books for children.