International companion encyclopedia of children's literature /

Greatly expanded from the first edition (CH, Feb'97, 34-3089), which had 86 chapters, this version has 112, of which 51 were written either to add topical coverage or because the original authors were unable to revise their chapters. Most of the other chapters were also revised and the bibliographies updated. The authors (e.g., Anne Pellowski, Perry Nodelman), experts in their fields, come from many countries other than the US and Canada. The book has five parts: "Theory and Critical Approaches," "Forms and Genres," "Contexts," "Applications" (e.g., teaching, bibliotherapy), and "National and International." The latter discusses children's literature in 43 countries or areas from Africa to the US, including the emerging states of Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Topics dictate the length of chapters, but each lists sources, further readings, and sometimes Web sites. For several topics, it would be useful if sites mentioned in the text were listed at the conclusion. A few chapters (e.g., "Teenage Fiction") mention greater numbers of UK than US books. More than a "companion," Hunt's set is a comprehensive overview of children's literature, written by scholars and covering the important topics in children's literature. It fits Hunt's philosophy to present "in depth discussions of topics, as well as information"; no recent reference contains so much. The first edition should be retained to make available writings by scholars not included in this encyclopedia. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and higher. T. M. Racz emerita, Eastern Michigan University

Ambitious in scope, this compilation of essays encompasses critical theory, history, world production of children's books, and practical aspects of li- brarianship and teaching. Some pieces are informative and thought-provoking; others are pompous, strangely incomplete, and sometimes misleading. More interpretive than other single-volume companions, it offers diverse views on subjects of literary theory. Even essays on book awards, children's magazines, and information books reflect each writer's political and literary bent. Many entries seem curiously out-of-date, with little reference to books or developments since the early 1980s. Though the emphasis is decidedly British, many articles refer to U.S. parallels or influences, and the volume includes several American and Canadian contributors. The analytical perspective and source lists in each entry will appeal to those with an academic interest in children's book publishing around the world. Though lengthy, the index is frustratingly incomplete. ‘Margaret Bush, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.