This article looks at how four British-based poets born in the Caribbean exploit the rich language repertoire available to them in their work for children and young people. Following initial consideration of questions of definition and terminology, poetry collections by James Berry, John Agard, Grace Nichols and Valerie Bloom are discussed, with a…

Viewing Tolstoy's works from psychological and intellectual perspectives demonstrates his approach to children's literacy and especially the development of reasoning, which he presents in his writing for children and the stories he includes in his "New ABC" book (1875a) and four "Readers" (1875b). This article…

This article provides a close reading of Meg Rosoff's award-winning novel "How I Live Now". It argues that an understanding of the text can be extended through an application of ideas found in contemporary spatial discourse concerning place. Reading the novel within this context allows a discussion of ways in which it draws on…

Presents a personal tribute in memory of the work of eccentric writer and performer Spike Milligan. Celebrates and examines Spike's absurdist poetry and sketches for children in the context of both British nonsense traditions and the poetry of American writer Ogden Nash and Dr. Seuss. (SG)

Notes that Wilhelm Hauff's fairy tale "Dwarf Nose" tells of a boy who is turned into a squirrel for seven years, then regains human form as a dwarf with a long nose before finally achieving normal adult proportions. Discusses how the story includes details that suggest a sexual interpretation. (SG)

Presents a critique of Mildred D. Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" with regard to its positioning of the child subject. Proposes that the novel contrasts classic works of children's fiction by following a trajectory of child agency, which is enabled through the novel's racial specificity. Discusses the role of historical understanding and…

Uses Chris Raschka's picture book, "Arlene Sardine" (1998), as a focus for a discussion of the homogenizing forces of the market economy. Discusses how the young person's struggle for "identity" must deal with powerful and coercive forces of the marketplace. Argues children's literature can aid in such a struggle by prompting critical reflection…

Describes a project in which eight students from the Drama department at Exeter University created a "poetry show" based on poems in English for children, and gave performances in schools and teachers' colleges in Poland. Discusses the project's aims and the principles followed in expressing the meaning of drama in each poem; highlights key…

Examines similarities between L.M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" and Kate Douglas Wiggin's "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Raises questions about the Canadianness of Montgomery's novel and considers the author's literary indebtedness to American authors and contemporary children's literature. Argues that as a literary work, "Anne of Green…

Discusses issues in translating a literary work, especially problems posed by differences between two linguistic and cultural systems. Focuses on the practice of replacing "foreign" names with familiar ones (a practice still common in English and German translations). Argues that such changes show a lack of respect toward other cultures and…

Notes that children's perceptions of other cultures are formed, at least in part, by the books they read; yet the potential of children's literature in the United Kingdom as a site for international cultural exchange is limited by a lack of translations and a historical resistance in Britain toward the languages of the European continent. (SG)

Considers poetry for children by the late Ted Hughes, British Poet Laureate. Examines it in its own terms as poetry and in terms of its intended audience. Suggests his poetry was an attempt to create a body of work that remained true to his gift of "caging" the minute within real and imaginary worlds. (SR)

Explores three distinct periods (across 60 years) in the work of renowned picture book artist Barbara Cooney. Reflects on strengths and weaknesses as well as her overall contributions to picture book art. (SR)

Argues that folklore goes beyond plastic toys and popular media symbols to share the humanness of a people. Suggest ways to use Polynesian folklore (nature fables, tales, and legends) to deepen children's understanding of Polynesian culture. Reviews specific stories, references juvenile collections, and offers classroom activities. (SR)

Examines text and pictorial representations of the Inuit in juvenile reference books and in geographical and historical juvenile non-fiction works. Finds continuing prevalence of a wide range of stereotypes. Identifies strengths and weaknesses of a variety of such representations, aided by a discussion group of Inuit people. (SR)