Edited by leading figure, Peter Hunt, this book explores the study of children's literature through examination of theoretical questions and discussion of the most relevant critical approaches to the field.

1. Introduction: The Expanding World of Children’s Literature Studies Peter Hunt, Cardiff University 2. Theorising and Theories: How Does Children’s Literature Exist? David Rudd, Bolton Institute 3. Critical Tradition and Ideological Positioning Charles Sarland, Liverpool John Moores University 4. The Setting of Children’s Literature: History and Culture Tony Watkins, University of Reading 5. Analysing Texts: Linguistics and Stylistics John Stephens, Macquarie University 6. Readers, Texts, Contexts: Reader-Response Criticism Michael Benton, Professor Emeritus, University of Southampton 7. Reading the Unconscious: Psychoanalytical Criticism Hamida Bosmajian, Seattle University 8. Feminism Revisited Lissa Paul, University of New Brunswick 9. Decoding the Images: how Picture Books Work Perry Nodelman, University of Winnipeg 10. Bibliography: the Resources of Children’s Literature Matthew Grenby, University of Newcastle upon Tyne 11. Understanding Reading and Literacy Sally Yates, Literacy Consultant UK 12. Intertextuality and the Child Reader Christine Wilkie-Stibbs, University of Warwick 13. Healing Texts: Bibliotherapy and Psychology Hugh Crago, Co-Editor Australia and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 13. Theory into Practice: the Views of the Authors Peter Hunt, Cardiff University General Bibliography Glossary Index