Children's Literature: From Picture Books to Books for Young Adults

This course offers an introductory study of children's literature, from toddler board books and easy readers to chapter books and books for young adults. It is designed primarily for students interested in writing for children and those planning to teach children’s literature, though new and soon-to-be parents would find it illuminating as well. Touching on all the major categories/levels and subgenres of children’s literature, students will learn to identify the unique characteristics of each and apply definable quality standards to assess a wide range of particular texts from both creative and analytical points of view. Note that, though students may do some creative writing, this is not a course in writing children’s literature.