JANET MAYBIN

How has children's literature been defined? In what ways has it changed over time? How are the classics of children's literature established? What is the impact of digital media and globalization on books for children? Children's Literature: Approaches and Territories provides a social and literary overview of the field of Anglophone children's literature: its history and genres, its current concerns and its possible future directions. Emphasising how children's literature is embedded in the social life of children and adults, the collection brings together lively and accessible scholarly essays by leading scholars, some reprinted and others newly commissioned. It includes sections on poetry, drama and picture books and is supported by detailed introductory material, suggestions for further reading and a colour plate section reproducing illustrations from key children's texts.

Childhood is a brand new series, co-published with The Open University which represents a coherent and integrated treatment to a wide range of topics and approaches, which will have a relevance to courses in childhood studies; sociology; psychology; anthropology and cultural studies. The second volume, Childhoods in Context examines the interplay between family, schooling, work, and other influences in the daily lives of children and young people. Topics include changing family patterns, debates about school versus work, and current concerns about child labour. Issues in early childhood are discussed, as well as the transition from child to adult. · Multi-disciplinary approach · Multi-cultural perspective · An interactive text · Attractive layout and colour design throughout · A high level of illustration · Clear and ''student-friendly'' style · Used by the OU for its own teaching