This book is based on the belief that deep subject knowledge of language and literature provides a foundation for effective teaching and learning. It provides a guide to the range of genres and characteristic features of English language fiction written for children, and is designed to help readers: (1) Develop their understanding of literature within social, cultural and political reading practices; (2) Extend their knowledge of language features and conventions of different genres; and (3) Develop skills in analytical and critical reading. The case study material, activities and exercises promote an active approach to learning. Knowledge about language is embedded in the context of reading and responding to literature and the authors use exemplification to explain concepts and terminology, focusing on the range of fiction texts incorporated in the National Curriculum for England and the National Literacy Strategy, but also provides examples from world literature written in English, including American and Australian fiction. Examples from work in translation are also included. "Exploring Children's Literature" provides a foundation for the knowledge and understanding of English required in ITT and is designed to be used to support distance-learning, as an aid to self-study and/or as a course text. Contents include: (1) Developing Personal Knowledge about Books; (2) Narrative; (3) Narration and Point of View; (4) Narrative Structure, Time and Cohesion; (5) Character, Setting and Themes; (6) Language and Style; (7) Genres and Traditional Stories; (8) Fantasy, Realism and Writing about the Past; (9) Reading and Responding; (10) Fiction for the Classroom; and (11) Keeping in Touch with Children's Books. [For the Second Edition, see ED500234.]