For this entry in the publisher's Historical Dictionaries of Literature and the Arts series, author O'Sullivan has written more than 500 entries for authors and genres as well as a few other topics, such as American Library Association, Ethnocentrism, Newbery Medal, and Wizards. Most of the entries are for authors, from Aesop to Stephenie Meyer. Although the emphasis is on literature in the U.S. and Great Britain, some individuals from other countries, such as Swedish author Astrid Lindgren and Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna, are also included. A handful of entries cover characters, among them Nancy Drew and Thomas the Tank Engine. There are also a few entries for works, such as The Arabian Nights; but in most cases, book titles serve as see references to author entries ("ALICE IN WONDERLAND. See CARROLL, LEWIS"). Preceding the entries are a list of acronyms, a chronology beginning circa 900 and ending in 2008, and an introduction to children's literature and its development....Closing the volume are an appendix of awards and a well-organized bibliography. Providing a concise overview to help the reader understand the historical development of children's literature, this work is recommended for academic and large public libraries. It could also find a place on the professional-development shelves of children's librarians.
Booklist
O'Sullivan (Leuphana Univ., Lúneburg, Germany) has produced a very nice small dictionary, more compact than the older large-format, single-volume works published a decade ago....O'Sullivan's contribution is...historically focused and wholly authored by one (or two) writers, resulting in a more consistent style. Features include a chronology; a good, brief introduction; an appendix listing winners of some major awards; and an extensive classified bibliography....Some cross-references are included. The main section features A-Z dictionary entries on authors, illustrators, awards, and topics, e.g., "Animal Fiction," "Dime Novels," and "Orphans."...The emphasis is on American, UK, Commonwealth, and European authors. This handy, well-written, but highly selective volume will be useful in collections serving children's literature programs. Summing Up: Recommended
CHOICE
O'Sullivan's book wins out because of the strength of her clear and unbiased prose, showing her understanding of the issues and the way the history of children's literature across the English-speaking world and beyond has evolved.
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The Historical Dictionary of Children’s Literature is designed as an aid for teachers and school librarians to provide a ready reference of common children’s authors, titles, forms, themes and genres. With a useful chronology of children’s books spanning over 1000 years from 990 AD (the Latin text Aelfric’s Colloquy) to 2008 (Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret)…. The dictionary extends over the majority of the book and includes many popular and important authors and genres in over 500 entries that are cross-referenced for ease of use. I recommend this book to teachers, public and school librarians interested in children’s literature through the years and seeking a helpful reference dictionary to provide brief yet well researched entries that encompass authors, genres and themes in the area of children’s books.
Australian Library Journal