Designed to accompany reading of childrens books from all genres, this text helps teachers meet the challenge of selecting the best literature for children. It trains future teachers to make judgments about what constitutes quality childrens literature and thoroughly discusses the nature of and genres within childrens literature. Taking readers through the definitions of literary terms, reviewing plot, character, theme, setting, point of view, style and tone, the text provides sound criteria for assessing the merit of childrens books. Includes material on rhymes, and poetry, as well as nonfiction trade books. This edition offers more coverage of multicultural literature, new chapter opening questions, and enhanced content on reading aloud to children.