International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

This essential reference work provides exhaustive global coverage of children's literature through multiple critical lenses, from theoretical frameworks and genre studies to cultural contexts and national traditions. Editor Peter Hunt assembles a formidable collection of scholarly essays that examine everything from picture book aesthetics to young adult fiction's evolution, creating an indispensable resource for understanding how children's literature functions across different societies and educational systems. The encyclopedia's systematic organization allows readers to explore both broad conceptual approaches and specific national literatures with equal depth, making complex academic discourse accessible without sacrificing intellectual rigor.

What distinguishes this compendium is its truly international scope, moving beyond Anglo-American perspectives to include substantial analysis of children's publishing in regions from Scandinavia to East Asia. Graduate students and researchers will find the theoretical foundations particularly valuable for constructing academic arguments, while librarians and educators can apply the practical insights about reading development and literary appreciation across cultures. The work's comprehensive nature establishes it as the definitive scholarly reference in the field, essential for anyone seriously studying how childhood and storytelling intersect globally.