Understanding Children's Literature

This book offers a systematic introduction to some of the essential concepts necessary for the study of childrens literature. Incorporating thirteen essays from the highly-acclaimed International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, the chapters guide the reader through the most relevant areas of criticism and theory and summarise their contexts and application. Bibliographies provide details of useful further information sources and a glossary explains the literary terms encountered in the book. This work is a useful and accessible guide for readers involved both in literature and education.