The Cambridge Guide to Children's Books in English is an alphabetised reference work providing a critical and appreciative overview of English language children's books from across the world. Reflecting the developing scholarly appreciation for the history of children's literature, the title gives due weight to children's books from pre-Norman times to the present day - and portrays recent developments in publishing practices and in children's own reading. In addition to the long established traditions of children's writing from Britain and the USA, the Guide covers the increasing range of successful children's books produced in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and India; as well as the exciting renaissance currently taking place in Ireland and South Africa. Acknowledging that a great deal of what children read has little to do with classrooms and not much to do with what is considered 'literary', the Guide contains entries on television, comics, annuals and the growing range of media texts. There are substantial entries on fantasy, picturebooks, fairy tales and pony stories; as well as on more innovative topics such as playground rhymes, disability in children's literature, wood engraving and illustration. The Guide is not only an authoritative and wide-ranging source of information on children's books, but also a browsable book to enjoy and relish.