Crosscurrents of Children's Literature

Book excerpt: This volume combines a wide variety of primary texts with critical readings, examines the texts within the context of critical debates, explores the ways in which children's literature combines instruction and entertainment, oral and written traditions, words and pictures, fantasy and realism, classics and adaptations, and perspectives on childhood and adult life. It spans a wide range of literary periods, genres, and cultural traditions, and examines how these overlapping forms and genres, diverse influences, and evolving values and attitudes towards children and childhood have shaped the body of literature written for young adults and children.