The International Companion Encyclopedia answers these questions and provides comprehensive coverage of children's literature from a wide range of perspectives. Over 80 substantial essays by world experts include Iona Opie on the oral tradition, Gillian Avery on family stories and Michael Rosen on audio, TV and other media. The Companion covers a broad range of topics, from the fairy tale to critical theory, from the classics to comics.

Structure The Companion is divided into five sections:

1) Theory and Critical Approaches

2) Types and Genres

3) The Context of Children's Literature

4) Applications of Children's Literature

5) The World of Children's Literature

Each essay is followed by references and suggestions for further reading. The volume is fully indexed.