Introducing Childrens Literature

Introducing Childrens Literature is an ideal guide to reading childrens literature through the perspective of literary history. Focusing on the major literary movements from Romanticism to Postmodernism, Thacker and Webb examine the concerns of each period and the ways in which these concerns influence and are influenced by the childrens literature of the time. Each section begins with a general chapter, which explains the relationship between the major issues of each literary period and the formal and thematic qualities of childrens texts. Close readings of selected texts follow to demonstrate the key defining characteristics of the form of writing and the literary movements. Original in its approach, this book sets childrens literature within the context of literary movements and adult literature. It is essential reading for students studying writing for children. Books discussed include: *Louisa May Alcotts Little Women* Charles Kingsleys The Water-Babies *Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland*Frank Baums The Wizard of Oz*Frances Hodgson Burnetts The Secret Garden*P.L.Travers Mary Poppins*E.B.Whites Charlottes Web*Philip Pullmans Clockwork.