Crosscurrents of Children's Literature is the only anthology of classic and contemporary readings in children's literature to combine primary texts with critical selections. Employing a unique thematic organization, it explores how children's literature integrates instruction and entertainment, oral and written traditions, words and pictures, fantasy and realism, classics and adaptations, and perspectives on childhood and adult life. The volume spans a wide range of literary periods, genres, and cultural traditions and balances contemporary and historical texts, excerpts and longer selections, traditional and non-traditional materials, and English and translated works. Taking a more multicultural approach than existing anthologies, it offers excerpts from Latin American, Asian American, and African traditions. The book is enhanced by a companion website, timelines, an alternate table of contents organized by genre, and extensive bibliographies.