Featuring a stellar teamn of contributors, this book offers a unique introduction to the essential concepts necessary for the study of childrens literature. Incorporating thirteen essays from the highly acclaimed International Companion Encyclopedia of Children's Literature, the chapters guide the reader through the most relevant areas of criticism and theory and summarise their contexts and application. Bibliographies provide useful details of further information sources and a glossary explains the literary terms encountered in the book. This work is an indispensable guide for readers involved in literature, education or library science, or anyone interested in children's literature.