A Handbook of Children's Literature, Methods and Materials

This comprehensive guide offers educators and parents foundational knowledge about children's literature, covering essential methods for selecting age-appropriate materials and effective teaching approaches. The book provides practical frameworks for evaluating stories, poems, and informational texts while addressing developmental considerations across early childhood and elementary years. Gardner's systematic approach helps adults understand how different literary forms support language acquisition, critical thinking, and emotional growth in young readers.

What distinguishes this resource is its balanced focus on both theoretical principles and classroom applications, making it equally valuable for teacher training programs and home learning environments. The author's expertise shines through in specific recommendations for engaging children with diverse texts and creating literacy-rich spaces. Parents seeking to build thoughtful home libraries and educators developing curriculum will find lasting value in this timeless examination of children's literary development and instructional practices.