Wild Things! Acts of Mischief in Children’s Literature

This sharp, subversive collection pulls back the curtain on the children's literature industry, revealing the secret histories, personal scandals, and outright rebellions that shaped your favorite childhood books. Forget the sanitized versions you know; these essays delve into the messy, human, and often hilarious realities behind classic and contemporary works, offering a necessary corrective to the warm-and-fuzzy narrative we've been sold.

What makes this guide so compelling is its insider perspective, written by those who live and breathe kids' lit with a critical, loving eye. It’s an essential read for aspiring writers, librarians, and any serious reader who wants to understand the true cultural forces—the mischief and the business—behind the pages. You'll never look at a picture book the same way again after this witty, illuminating exposé.