An experienced children's writer and teacher argues for the right balance of the richly strange and comfortably familiar in books for young children. (HOD)

A distinguished writer looks again at a favorite childhood hero--Robin Hood, a work written by Henry Gilbert. (HOD)

Analyzes the special qualities of a number of books (especially Walter de la Mare's "Come Hither") that have delighted the author as a child and as an adult. Pinpoints three qualities: a "tough" story, precise language, and creative imagery. (GT)

Discusses the four major concentrations that can form the framework for a childrens literature program: children's interests, literary types, literary elements, and creators of children's literature. (DD)

Uses a literary analysis of "The Golden Bird," a Grimm Brothers fairy tale, to show how an investigation of the literary qualities of fairy tales can reveal what the artistry of such tales consists of. (GT)

Offers an author's thoughts on winning the Newbery Medal. Reveals the writer's background and his tentative beginnings as a children's author. (NKA)

Since people's mental makeup is, to a certain extent, based on what they have read and how it has been incorporated into their lives, it is not surprising that considerable attention is paid to what children read. As a consequence, children's books tend to be highly moralistic. Many realistic books today attempt to teach children how to cope with…