A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature - Softcover

Designed to facilitate the use of children's books from all genres, this exceptional resource helps teachers, librarians, and media specialists select the best children's literature for the classroom, library, or home. Unlike an anthology of children's literature, which includes selected chapters or text summaries, the Eighth Edition of this highly regarded book teaches how to select quality children's literature. Using the critical standards for all literature, examples of children's books provide the basis for an explanation of critical principles and special issues in judging books for children. Taking readers through the definitions of literary terms such as plot, character, theme, setting, point of view, style, and tone, Lukens provides sound criteria for assessing the merit of children's books. The book also includes chapters on rhymes, poetry, biography, and informational books. A new and enlarged section addresses censorship and a new chapter addresses the benefits of reading, its significance for children, and its growth in popularity among adults.

Now in its Eighth Edition, this highly regarded book helps teachers, librarians, and other media specialists select quality children’s literature. Unlike an anthology, which includes only selected chapters and text summaries, A Critical Handbook of Children’s Literature uses examples of children’s books to explain critical principles and standards, as well as special issues in evaluating books for children.

Taking readers through the definitions of literary terms such as plot, character, theme, setting, point of view, style, and tone, Rebecca Lukens provides sound criteria for assessing the merit of children's books. Throughout the book, Lukens addresses a variety of issues in children’s literature.

Thoroughly updated with new examples of literature from all genres, A Critical Handbook of Children’s Literature continues to be the best resource available for helping anyone who works with children select the best children’s literature for the classroom, library, or home.