Where Texts and Children Meet

This essential academic work bridges the gap between literary theory and real-world reading experiences, examining how young readers actually interpret the texts they encounter in classrooms, libraries, and digital spaces. Eve Bearne and Victor Watson assemble a vital collection of essays that tackle foundational questions about what constitutes "literature" for children and the evolving status of classic works. The analysis extends beyond traditional print to crucial modern formats, providing a comprehensive look at the full spectrum of children's literacy, from picture books to CD-ROMs.

What sets this volume apart is its unwavering focus on the child's perspective, making it an indispensable resource for educators, librarians, and students of children's literature. By dissecting how meaning is constructed across different genres and media, the book provides the theoretical tools to understand contemporary young readers. Its insightful exploration of new textual landscapes offers a timely and necessary framework for anyone committed to fostering a genuine, meaningful connection between children and the books they read.