Given its stance against organised religion, it is perhaps not surprising that Philip Pullman's award-winning trilogy "His Dark Materials" has, alongside the plaudits and praise, invited controversy and debate. Jacobs ("The Weekly Standard, 2000"), for instance, views the "anti-Christian" theme in Pullman's work as both misleading and dishonest,…

Discusses the current state of criticism of children's literature and calls for its improvement. (FL)

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,…

Describes the qualities which make a good book good to both critic and child and defends the criticism of children's literature. (DD)

Discusses the appeal to children of Gene Kemp's Tamworth Pig books and "The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler," which won the Carnegie Medal in 1978. (HOD)

Examines several themes from children's literature for the way they reflect the fears of adults and provide a warning to the young about the dangers ahead in life. (RB)

Examines the role of "The Horn Book Magazine" in reviewing and promoting children's literature in the past 50 years. (RB)

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

Evaluates the process of reading books, gives three criteria that constitute "good books", and then considers whether these are too strict comparing good and bad literature, old and modern novels. (RK)

Identifies the qualities of a good children's book: a coherent structure; a broad vision of the world, including both its pleasant and unpleasant features; and a degree of openness that allows the reader's imagination to work. (RL)

Suggests that the English profession should take another look at children's literature as an important area for further study. (RB)

Children's books by successful writers may stimulate young people to think about philosophical questions, prompting lively discussions. Such books not only have literary value but also encourage children to consider matters central to the human condition. Teachers at the intermediate grade level and above can stimulate discussions of ethical…

Argues that more secondary courses should be offered in which British students study African literature written in English, and suggests books containing poems, novels, and prose works that are readily available. (RB)