Modern children's literature is currently receiving much public and critical attention. Organized to show developments in children's literature over time and across genres, this introductory guide looks at key British, American and Australian works, from picture books and texts for younger children, through to graphic novels and young adult fiction. Each chapter applies specific critical approaches, supported by explanatory boxed material and suggestions for further reading. The second edition of this established, classic text has been thoroughly revised, updated and expanded to reflect current issues in the field. It features new chapters by leading names on key topics such as canon formation, psychoanalytic approaches, fantasy, and technology, and includes an essay on children's poetry by the former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen.