The intent of this book is to plead the case of children's literature as an integral part of the elementary school's curriculum, as well as an important factor in the lives of children. Children's literature is broadly defined as any creative literary work that has been especially written and designed for children's use. That literature is meant to play three major roles: to delight, to inform, and to affect the values and understandings of its young readers. In the context of this book, children's literature includes fiction, folk tales, the classics, informational books, poetry, and biographies. This book is a pragmatic look at the role good children's books can play in the elementary school curriculum, the effect they may have on the developing person, and a discussion of several important issues concerning children and their literature. The book is written for and geared toward the needs of the practicing elementary teacher, the consultant in elementary education, and the student of elementary education. Some books are recommended, and a complete list of aids, booklists and other writings are included in each chapter and in the appendix. Models and examples that could serve the teacher in a useful, practical way are presented. The contents of this book have attempted to bring theory and practical application into close juxtaposition. (Author/CK)