For courses in children’s literature.
An accessible, concise, and engaging text on children’s literature with full-color illustrations
Inviting and brief, Literature for Children: A Short Introduction, 9th Edition provides a solid understanding of the foundations of children’s literature across genres, from picture books to folk literature. In his usual engaging style, author David Russell stresses that teachers need to first appreciate literature in order to teach it effectively. The text’s user-friendly format includes a wealth of real examples and its thoughtful presentation allows students to spend more time reading actual children’s books. Substantially revised with full-color illustrations and a new organisation, the 9th Edition incorporates a variety of updates, providing a more streamlined introduction to the elements, genres, and themes in children’s literature.
- Full color artwork and illustrations from children’s literature make for a lively, more engaging reading experience.
- All chapters have been rewritten and updated where necessary to stay abreast of developments in the field, and all resource lists have been updated.
- Chapter 4, “The Art and Craft of Fiction,” constitutes a shifting of the literary and critical materials originally in Chapter 9, and enhances the discussion of critical approaches.
- Chapter 5, “Picture Books,” combines the discussions of all picture books, which in previous editions had been divided between two chapters, and includes more full-color illustrations to strengthen the discussions on art.
- Chapter 6, “Poetry,” opens with a discussion of Mother Goose rhymes as an entrée to the discussion of poetry in children’s literature.
Check out the preface for a complete list of features and what's new in this edition.
Engaging illustrations, presentation, and layout make for a lively and inviting text
- New - Full colour artwork and illustrations from children’s literature make for a lively, more engaging reading experience.
- A comprehensive yet concise presentation enables the text to be used as a resource along with several primary works.
Pedagogical features and suggestions provide a variety of classroom ideas
- A focus on the building blocks of literature helps students better examine children’s books. Specific examples appear throughout to illustrate key literary elements.
- A list of important book awards gives students the best-of-the-best in children’s fiction and nonfiction.
- Annotated recommended booklists on diversity, picture books, fantasy and realistic fiction, and nonfiction follow the chapters, assisting students in selecting appropriate children’s books.
- “25 things to do” lists appear in chapters on experiencing literature, poetry, and folktales and provide brief suggestions for lessons and projects that extend learning.
A revised organisation better aligns the book with children’s literature courses
- Updated - All chapters have been rewritten and updated where necessary to stay abreast of developments in the field, and all resource lists have been updated.
- Revised - The book’s organisation has been streamlined, providing more time for instructors and students to spend enjoying the genres explored in this book.
- Updated - Chapter 1 “The History of Children’s Literature” now includes the discussion on child development, previously a separate chapter.
- Updated - Chapter 2 “Reading the World” addresses sensitive issues in children’s literature, including: diversity, sexuality, war and violence, and death. This chapter also includes a discussion on intellectual freedom.
- Updated - Chapter 4, “The Art and Craft of Fiction,” constitutes a shifting of the literary and critical materials previously in Chapter 9, and enhances the discussion of critical approaches.
- Updated - Chapter 5, “Picture Books,” combines the discussions of all picture books, which in previous editions had been divided between two chapters, and includes more full-color illustrations to strengthen the discussions on art.
- Updated - The new Chapter 6, “Poetry,” opens with a discussion of Mother Goose rhymes as an entrée to the discussion of poetry in children’s literature.
David L. Russell is a professor of English at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, where he teaches children’s literature and folk literature. He is the author of Patricia MacLachlan and Scott O’Dell, both published by Twayne Publishers, as well as Stuart Academic Drama: An Edition of Three University Plays by Garland Publishing. He has also published numerous scholarly articles on children’s literature, and was a contributor to The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature, The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature, and The Cambridge Guide to Children’s Books in English. He is currently co-editor of The Lion and the Unicorn.