A concise introduction to the world of literature for infants, children, and adolescents, this popular text taps the work of well-known scholars to provide its foundation in genre theory while clearly relating the books it recommends to practical teaching applications. After first defining literature and literacy, and examining relevant aspects of children's development, the author explores each of the traditional literature genres in turn; and provides a firm structure for evaluation that will serve future teachers well as they approach any form of literature. Each chapter asks the student for reflections, opinions, and participation through suggested projects and activities.