The Cambridge Companion to Children's Literature

A wide-ranging introduction to an exciting and rapidly expanding field.

M. O. Grenby (Edited by), Andrea Immel (Edited by)

9780521868198, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 December 2009

324 pages, 14 b/w illus.
23.4 x 15.7 x 1.9 cm, 0.64 kg

' … excellent, straightforward collection that covers the fundamentals. It is also a collection that inspires readers to delve deeper … provides a perfect sampling of scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students, but this collection should also appeal to established scholars and experts in the field.' Muse

Some of the most innovative and spell-binding literature has been written for young people, but only recently has academic study embraced its range and complexity. This Companion offers a state-of-the-subject survey of English-language children's literature from the seventeenth century to the present. With discussions ranging from eighteenth-century moral tales to modern fantasies by J. K. Rowling and Philip Pullman, the Companion illuminates acknowledged classics and many more neglected works. Its unique structure means that equal consideration can be given to both texts and contexts. Some chapters analyse key themes and major genres, including humour, poetry, school stories, and picture books. Others explore the sociological dimensions of children's literature and the impact of publishing practices. Written by leading scholars from around the world, this Companion will be essential reading for all students and scholars of children's literature, offering original readings and new research that reflects the latest developments in the field.

Preface M. O. Grenby and Andrea Immel
Chronology Eric J. Johnson
Part I. Contexts and Genres: 1. The origins of children's literature M. O. Grenby
2. Children's books and the constructions of childhood Andrea Immel
3. The making of children's books Brian Alderson
4. Picture book worlds and ways of seeing Katie Trumpener
5. The fear of poetry Richard Flynn
6. Retelling stories across time and cultures John Stephens
7. Classics and canons Deborah Stevenson
Part II. Audiences: 8. Learning to be literate Lissa Paul
9. Gender roles in children's fiction Judy Simons
10. Children's texts and the grown-up reader U. C. Knoepfelmacher
11. Ideas of difference in children's literature Lynne Vallone
Part III. Forms and Themes: 12. Changing families in children's fiction Kimberley Reynolds
13. Traditions of the school story Mavis Reimer
14. Fantasy's alternative geography for children Andrea Immel, U. C. Knoepfelmacher and Julia Briggs
15. Animal and object stories David Rudd
16. Humour and the body in children's literature Roderick McGillis
Guide to further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Children’s & teenage literature studies [DSY], Literary studies: general [DSB], Literature: history & criticism [DS], Literature & literary studies [D]