A critical analysis of changing themes and developing trends in children's books about Afro-Americans published by major U.S. houses, focusing around three time periods: pre-1954, 1954-1966, and 1966-present. (EH)

Discusses the importance of introducing literature to children at an early age and provides a rationale for doing so. (RB)

Describes several observable differences between fiction for children and fiction for adults, especially in the areas of plot development, conventions, and the need for rational explanations of events. (DD)

Examines the role of the creative writer in influencing people in ways that drastically change lifestyles or lead to social and political efforts to reform society. (RB)

The mass production of books dealing with hitherto taboo subjects for children, such as drug use, divorce, illegitimacy, and death, is a growing trend in children's literature. This paper attempts to demonstrate the inherent difficulties in judging such books critically through a discussion of the handling of death in current children's fiction.…

Notes that many reports on children's books employ the word "imaginative" or "imagination," but few relate it to fantasy, suggesting that it was not the genre that determined this label, but rather the talent, insight, and craft with which the author shaped the material. (HOD)

Recalls the captivating characters; tidy, confident writing and winsome illustrations in the 50-year-old minor masterpiece, "Mr. Popper's Penguins." (SD)

Discusses M. Landsberg's "Guide to Children's Books," which contains her thoughts about 350 children's books. (FL)

Compares "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" to "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," noting that both: (1) were begun for the amusement of specific children; (2) use a subterranean journey as a device; (3) are critical of social authority; and (4) have problematic endings. (SRT)

Discusses the biographical aspects of James Thurber's classic humorous fairy tale, "Many Moons." (HOD)

Reviews the title novel as a rare example of contemporary fiction for children with its chastened prose and suggestive details. (CRH)

The implicit sexist thoughts and standards in children's books stifle girls' ambitions and potential and therefore must be countered by sensitive critics. (CH)

Part one of a series by an author of children's literature, analyzing basic themes and techniques employed in creating children's literature. (RB)

In teaching children's literature to university students, the author illustrates how Doris Gates' Blue Willow'' becomes an important work in moving from myth and folklore to realistic fiction. (MM)