All chapters conclude with Summary, Notes, and Recommended Books Cited in this Chapter. To the Instructor. To the Student. 1. Literature: What Is It? Literature for Children. 2. Genre in Children's Literature. Realism. Formula Fiction 1. Fantasy. Traditional Literature. Informational Books. 3. Picture Books. The Illustrative Elements of the Picture Book. The Literary Elements of the Picture Book. Lasting Favorites. Wordless Picture Books. 4. Character. Revelation of Character. Unity of Character and Action. Types of Characters. Change in Character. Special Issues of Character in Childrens Literature. Traditional Literature. Animal Realism. Science Fiction. Classics. 5. Plot. Types of Narrative Order. Types of Conflict. Patterns of Action. Types of Plots. Coincidence. Sentimentality. Lack of Conflict. 6. Theme. Theme or Unifying Truth. Special Issues of Theme in Children's Literature. Literature. 7. Setting. Types of Settings. Functions of Setting. Special Issues of Setting in Children's Literature. Traditional Literature. Fantasy and Science Fiction. 8. Point of View. Types of Point of View. Special Issues of Point of View in Children's Literature. Maturity of the Reader. Animal Realism. Fantasy. Stories of Various Cultures. 9. Style. Devices of Style. Special Issues of Style in Children's Literature. Literature. Trite Versus Fresh Style. Retellings and Translations. Stories of Other Periods and Places. High Fantasy. 10. Tone. Tone in Charlotte's Web. Humor. Differing Tastes in Tone. Tone Related to the Author's Choice of Materials. Special Issues of Tone in Children's Literature. Condescension. Sentimentality. Sensationalism. Didacticism. Changing Values. Variety of Tone. 11. From Rhyme to Poetry. Nursery Rhymes. Nonsense. Poetry. 12. Biog

Designed to accompany the use of children's books from all genres, this exceptional text helps teachers meet the challenge of selecting the best literature for children for the classroom, library, or home. Unlike an anthology of children's literature, which includes selected chapters or text summaries, the seventh edition of this highly-regarded text teaches how to make appropriate judgments about what constitutes quality children's literature. Using the critical standards for all literature, selections are explained and are supplemented by special issues in judging books for children. Taking readers through the definitions of literary terms by reviewing plot, character, theme, setting, point of view, style, and tone, Lukens provides sound criteria for assessing the merit of children's books. The text also includes chapters on rhymes, poetry, biography, and informational books. Special sections on censorship and the importance of reading aloud as well as emphasis on multicultural literature expose students to critical topics in children's literature.