For survey courses in children's literature. Also suitable as a companion text in an integrated reading/language arts course.   From a well-known, well-respected author team-a comprehensive, yet concise resource about children's literature and engaging children as readers. This widely popular text focuses on engaging pre-service teachers and librarians in experiencing the joy of reading, selecting, and sharing excellent children's books with students and engaging them as readers. Clear, concise, and direct, the book uses recommended book lists, examples, figures, and tables in combination with narrative and prose, freeing class time for involvement with literature. Through newly added connections to classrooms and libraries, in addition to expanded content related to standards and trends in literacy, Essentials of Children's Literature is an indispensable guide for future teachers and librarians.