Editor’s Preface
Children’s literature, as a body of oral and written texts to be described, and as a
subject of study to be investigated, is the confluence of many cultures and of many
disciplines.
As a result, the essays in this volume not only present a huge range of material, they
also represent a wide range of critical and theoretical attitudes and approaches.
Children’s books are at once the business of bibliographers and historians, librarians
and teachers, theorists and publishers, reviewers and prizegivers, writers, designers,
illustrators and publishers—and these and others are represented here. Each discipline
has its own preoccupations and its own discursive techniques: the overall blend of
voices demonstrates the growing interest in and profound commitment to a multi-
faceted subject worldwide.
The Encyclopedia moves outwards from theoretical and critical bases, through types
and genres, to the production and application of these oral, visual and written texts. The
final section surveys the world picture; here the emphasis and the extent of the
discussion has been determined by both the strength of children’s literature in the
countries and regions, and also by the extent of information available. Some countries
have more sophisticated information networks than others; and in response to this, the
selection has been pragmatic rather than political.
I would like to thank the many contributors and non-contributors who have helped
me to navigate the world of children’s literature by recommending and introducing me to
writers—especially my Advisory Editor, Rhonda Bunbury, who gave me the benefit of her
experience as President of the International Research Society for Children’s Literature.
Many thanks are also due to Nancy Chambers, Geoff Fox, Margaret Kinnell, Margaret
Spencer and Jack Zipes; to the School of English at the University of Wales, Cardiff for
generous support in terms of time and materials, to Dr Alfred Whit for translations from
the German and to my successive editors at Routledge: Alison Barr, Michelle Darraugh,
Robert Potts, and Denise Rea.