This highly regarded resource gives future teachers, practicing teachers, librarians, and parents numerous examples of quality children's literature to help them select the best books for the classroom, library, or home. A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature analyzes children's books that the authors recommend as positive examples of the literary elements, formats, and genres that are the focus in the field of children's literature. The children's books are noteworthy titles, from classics to favorites to those just published, all selected because they are thought-provoking, important, or motivating choices. The authors suggest that readers examine A Critical Handbook of Children's Literature and then apply the literary concepts to additional reading from today's ever-expanding selection of children's books. - Back cover.