Taking Carroll's "Jabberwocky" as emblematic of a text historically enjoyed by both children and adults, this article seeks to place the text in what Kristeva defines as the borderline between language and subjectivity to theorize a realm in which ambivalent texts emerge as such. The fact that children's literature remains largely…

This article considers alternatives to the established constructivist approaches to children's literature, exploring instead the potential of two relatively recent areas of inquiry, cognitive poetics and evolutionary literary criticism. The article questions the assumption, implied if not directly expressed by Peter Hollindale in "Signs of…

This article looks at how four British-based poets born in the Caribbean exploit the rich language repertoire available to them in their work for children and young people. Following initial consideration of questions of definition and terminology, poetry collections by James Berry, John Agard, Grace Nichols and Valerie Bloom are discussed, with a…

This annotated bibliography of children's books about Africa cites more than 800 entries written in English and published in the United States, Africa, and Europe. The books (designed for children in early elementary school through young adulthood) are evaluated in terms of the validity of the perspective of Africa which they present. Both…

Lasting appreciation of literature does not just naturally issue out of basic reading skill training, because the outcomes desired in basic reading skills and in literary appreciation are different. Therefore, the materials used in each must be different. The language adapted for skill building exercises is different from that used in stories,…

Compares the actual Christopher Robin Milne with the character of Christopher Robin as found in the verses of A. A. Milne. (HOD)

Reviews the life and works of Kornei I. Chukovsky and discusses his contribution to children's literature. (RB)

Contrasts the views of poets and poetry in Leo Lionni's "Frederick" and Randall Jarrell's "The Bat-Poet." (DD)

An enumerated, selected, 2,480-item bibliography of publications and records on Spanish culture and literature with prices is offered primarily for school and library use. Subject entry in this work is alphabetical in each of the major divisions. Broadly grouped classifications include: (1) fiction, (2) essays, (3) individual author collections,…

Considers the burgeoning field of poetry and verse for children now compared to the beginning of the twentieth century. Explores if there is genuine poetry in today's abundance of children's verse. Considers what critics and poets consider to be genuine poetry and where the children themselves stand on the subject of poetry. (SG)

Describes how children's poetry is becoming part of the poetic mainstream. Discusses the poetry of Robert Heidbreder, Dennis Lee, Lois Simmie, Raymond Souster, and sean o huigin.

Studies the enduring popularity of Christina Rossetti's poem, "Goblin Market," and analyzes its content and structure. Considers the historical moment in which the poem was written and its critical reception at the time of publication. Outlines some of the disputes regarding the poem, including its status as children's literature. (HB)

Findings of a survey concerning the poetry selections that teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6 read to their pupils are reported. Results suggest a need to cultivate an improved awareness and appreciation of more contemporary poetry through children's literature courses taught by library schools and education departments. (5 references) (Author/KE)

Analyzes Randall Jarrell's children's book of poetry, "The Animal Family," with particular attention to the mermaid protagonist and his notion of a "semifeminine" poetics. Describes Jarrell's personal struggle to come to terms with and to utilize feminine discourse in his poetry. (HB)