Barbara Kiefer

Barbara Z. Kiefer, age 78, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023. She was born September 21, 1944, in Orange, New Jersey to the late Robert and Virginia Zulandt. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David John Kiefer and her brother Robert Zulandt.

Barbara is survived and forever loved by her son Jon, daughter in-law Patty, grandsons Jody & Austin, along with many dear friends, family, colleagues and, students who will always appreciate and remember her remarkable contributions, passionate achievements and loving heart.

Barbara received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, and M.Ed. in Reading from Westminster College and her doctorate in Language, Literature, and Reading from The Ohio State University. Her scholarship and research focused on literary and aesthetic response, visual literacy, early literacy, and integrated Language Arts programs. Across the course of her academic career, she held faculty positions at the University of Houston, the University of Oregon and Teacher’s College before returning to OSU in 2003 where she assumed the Charlotte S. Huck Endowed Professor of Children’s Literature.

She has many publications including five editions of Children’s Literature in Elementary Schools, which is a widely recognized text in the field of children’s literature. She also published many chapters and articles on the topic of picturebooks and their use in classrooms.

Barbara’s service to the profession also included her service on many prestigious committees such as the Panel to select the NY Times Best Illustrated Books, the Boston Glove/Horn Book Award committees and as chair of the Caldecott Award Committee. Also, she was an active member in organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of English, United States Board on Books for Young People and, International Board on Books for Young People. As part of this service, she was always an avid reader. Typically, she read 3-4 children’s picturebooks or one young adult novel per night (usually with the intention of knowing whether they were worth recommending for children or young adults).

Her awards include the Pi Lambda Theta Award in Recognition of Exceptional Contributions to Children and Teachers in the Field of Literacy and Recognition for Exceptional teaching at Teachers College.

Besides her scholarship, Barbara had a love for art that was reflected throughout her life and work. She was a watercolorist who received awards for her paintings. She was always on the look for paintings and sculptures from around the world. Her travel journals were even works of art in their own right. Her passion for art infused work and research and was passed on to her students, colleagues and family.

Entrusted arrangements to SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON FUNERAL HOME. Please share a memory or send condolences to Barbara’s family: add your address