The problem with the book's content, the professors say, is that children may see people with dwarfism, which is a genetic mutation, as friendly, happy, gnomelike people in tall hats who only live with people like themselves.

Though the book is a beloved American classic, it does no favors for those with dwarfism in regards to being valued and productive members of society, according to the study.

Dyches and Prater also mention that teachers who use the book in class could help eliminate prevalent stereotypes by discussing words like midget, dwarf or little person. Teachers could also address real-life issues like talking about difficulties that a person with a disability may have accessing public facilities like ATM machines or library shelves.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is just one example of the books analyzed by the professors. In their paper, they outline each of the books that were reviewed, address problems with the book's views on disabilities and include a list of follow-up questions that educators can use to help students better understand disabilities.

Both women have been involved in special education for more than 20 years and say they have always had a fondness for children's literature. They say they are hopeful that there will be an increase in quality portrayals of characters with disabilities in literature, whether award-winning or not.

"We should be equally aware of such portrayals of those with special needs, then work to educate others about these issues," Dyches said.

Recognition and legislation on behalf of individuals with disabilities has increased dramatically in recent decades. Caldecott statistics indicate that Caldecott Medal books that feature characters with disabilities have been spread out fairly consistently since the origination of the award, showing that this is not a recent problem, nor is it an old problem in children's literature.

The professors write: "We argue that accurate portrayals of characters with disabilities, particularly the types of disabilities encountered most frequently by young children, are needed in award-winning picture books."

The professors said they also are reviewing Newbery Award books for disability content.

In effort to generate more awareness to this topic, Prater said she and Dyches are involved with the Dolly Gray Award that will be presented in January.

Both professors serve on the selection committee for the biennial award. The Dolly Gray Award is given to children's books that accurately portray characters with disabilities. The award, created in 2000, is named in honor of a young reading enthusiast who died of cerebral palsy in 1989.

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E-mail: sstewart@desnews.com