Children's Literature: A Very Short Introduction

by Kimberley Reynolds

Overview

This Very Short Introduction provides a lively and comprehensive discussion of children's literature—what it is, why it is interesting, how it contributes to culture, and how it is studied as literature. Reynolds provides a general overview of the history of the subject as it has developed in English, at the same time introducing key debates, developments, and figures in the field. Reynolds demonstrates how writing for children—whether on page or screen—has helped in shaping ideas about culture, society and childhood. She also raises questions about the future of children's literature generally and discusses the shape that it might take.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199560240
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/07/2011
Series:	Very Short Introductions
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	1,063,736
Product dimensions:	4.40(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Kimberley Reynolds is Professor of Children's Literature at Newcastle University and a past president of the International Research Society for Children's Literature.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What is children's literature? 1. An outline history of publishing for children2. Why and how are children's books studied? 3. Transforming the texts of childhood4. Genres and generations - and the case of the family story5. Visions of the future6. Ethical debates in children's literatureAfterwordReferencesFurther readingIndex