This succinct yet comprehensive introduction to children's literature focuses on genres and concepts rather than on particular authors. This completely updated edition provides a clear, literary perspective for understanding the foundations and contexts of literature, including the various genres of children's literature, from picture to informational books. The Sixth Edition continues to be approachable and inviting with its clear and logical organization and its simple and direct prose. Arguing that teachers need to love literature, appreciate its beauty, explore its complexity, and enjoy its magic, the Sixth Edition stresses the need for teachers to first appreciate literature in order to later use it in the classroom. Well known for its booklists, this book focuses on the traditional genres of children's literature, and the discussions within the chapters are organized according to themes.