Literature for Children

Literature for Children: A Short Introduction, 8/e is a concise, accessible, text that provides a solid understanding of the foundations of children's literature across its various genres from picture books to folk literature. In his usual engaging style, popular author David Russell stresses that students need to first appreciate literature in order to later use and teach it effectively in their own classrooms. The text's user-friendly format includes a wealth of real examples from literature, and its concise presentation allows students to spend more time reading actual children's books. Substantially updated to bring the text and its resource lists in line with today's most current scholarship, the Eighth Edition includes a list of the winners of the Orbis Picture Awards for children's nonfiction, annotated recommended booklists, and discussions of important topics such as the Common Core curriculum, using technology in the classroom, teaching folktales, twenty-five uses of poetry, and critical approaches to literature that demonstrate a variety of ways of reading children's books. This book allows teachers and students to get an introduction to the world of children's literature. The strength of this book is in the way its material is presented. The author has some interesting perspectives, which help engage students. It allows future teachers to take the material and create a lesson plan. Its accessible style and illustrations support the concepts presented in a very easy-to-follow way. -- Gail Dichtman, Moraine Valley Community College A very concise, no frills companion to a short or compacted course on children's literature. This book excels in its concise approach and its focus on the historical and mechanical aspects of children's literature in general. -- Lee Edward Allen, University of MemphisBrief Table of Contents Chapter 1 The History of Children's Literature: How We Got Here Chapter 2 Literature and the Child: Growing Through Reading Chapter 3 The Literature Experience: Reading, Writing, Talking, Doing Chapter 4 Diversity and Inclusion: Reading the World Chapter 5 Beginning Books: Knowledge Through Delight Chapter 6 Picture Storybooks: The Collaboration of Story and Art Chapter 7 Poetry: For the Love of Language Chapter 8 Folk Narratives: The Oldest Stories Chapter 9 The Elements of Story: Reading Fiction Chapter 10 Fantasy Fiction: The World of Make-Believe Chapter 11 Realistic Fiction: The Days of Our Lives Chapter 12 Nonfiction: Telling It Like It Is Glossary Children's Literature Resources Children's Book Awards