Ebook Details
International Companian Encyclopedia of ChildrenÆs Literature
Ambitious in scope, this compilation of essays encompasses critical theory, history, world production of children's books, and practical aspects of li- brarianship and teaching. Some pieces are informative and thought-provoking; others are pompous, strangely incomplete, and sometimes misleading. More interpretive than other single-volume companions, it offers diverse views on subjects of literary theory. Even essays on book awards, children's magazines, and information books reflect each writer's political and literary bent. Many entries seem curiously out-of-date, with little reference to books or developments since the early 1980s. Though the emphasis is decidedly British, many articles refer to U.S. parallels or influences, and the volume includes several American and Canadian contributors. The analytical perspective and source lists in each entry will appeal to those with an academic interest in children's book publishing around the world. Though lengthy, the index is frustratingly incomplete. ?Margaret Bush, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. "...star-studded.. If there's a desert-island book of children's literature criticism, this is it.." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books - February 1997 "A welcome addition to the small number of reference sources available for children's literature." -- Choice - February 1997 "Comprehensive and international coverage of children's literature from a number of perspectives." -- Reference Books and Dictionaries Special The International Companion Encyclopedia Of Children's Literature provides comprehensive and international coverage of children's literature from a multitude of perspectives. Over 80 essays by world experts include Iona Opie on the oral tradition, Gillian Avery on family stories and Michael Rosen on audio, TV and other media. The articles range from 3 to 10 pages long, and cover a broad range of topics, such as: fairy tales, playground rhymes, critical theory, classic children's books, comics, and current trends in children's literature on the sub-continent of India. The volume is divided into five sections: Theory and Critical Approaches-- contains entries dealing with culture, gender, idealogy, psychoanalysis and stylistics. Types and Genres-- contains entries dealing with folk tales, poetry, drama, science fiction, pony stories, school stories, historical fiction, etc. The Context of Children's Literature-- contains entries dealing with design, publishing in the US and the UK, censorship, prizes, libraries, and research collections. Applications of Children's Literature-- contains entries dealing with librarianship, teaching poetry, reading, and literacy, storytelling, and publishing for special needs. The World of Children's Literature-- contains over 30 essays on individual countries and regions, including Africa, Australia, China, and India. The entries in each section contain approximately 5,000 words. All of the entries are folllowed by references and suggestions for further reading. The volume is fully indexed. Unique in the breadth of its scope, this work will be an indispensable and entertaining reference for readers interested in any aspect of the subject, as well as for specialists in literature, librarianship, education, history, language, sociology, and many other disciplines. -- Midwest Book Review
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