Literature for Children: A Short Introduction, 9th edition

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 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.

Substantially revised with full-color illustrations and a new organization, the 9th Edition incorporates a variety of updates, providing a more streamlined introduction to the elements, genres and themes in children's literature.

Hallmark features of this title

• A comprehensive yet concise presentation enables the text to be used as a resource along with several primary works.
• 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, nonfiction, and fantasy and realistic fiction 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. They provide brief suggestions for lessons and projects that extend learning.

New and updated features of this title

• NEW: Full-color artwork and illustrations from children's literature make for a lively, more engaging reading experience.
• 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.
• UPDATED: Chapter 1, “The History of Children's Literature,” previously a separate chapter, now includes discussion on child development.
• UPDATED: Chapter 2, “Reading the World,” addresses sensitive issues in children's literature, including diversity, sexuality, death, and war and violence. 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. The chapter now includes more full-color illustrations to strengthen the discussions on art.