The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature

This comprehensive reference work offers an authoritative global survey of children's literature, spanning continents and centuries with detailed entries on international authors, illustrators, and critical movements. The encyclopedia provides substantial biographical and analytical coverage of influential figures from C.S. Lewis's foundational fantasies to J.K. Rowling's contemporary phenomenon, alongside examinations of international creators like Japanese illustrator Anno Mitsumasa. Its systematic approach to children's book history and criticism makes it an essential research tool for understanding the evolution of youth literature across cultures.

What distinguishes this volume is its balanced integration of canonical Western authors with substantial global representation, creating a truly international perspective on children's publishing. Students of literature, educators developing multicultural curricula, and serious collectors will find the critical reviews particularly valuable for contextualizing individual works within broader literary traditions. The encyclopedia's thoughtful organization and depth of analysis ensure it remains relevant as both a scholarly resource and a discovery tool for anyone seeking to understand children's literature as a global artistic continuum.