The Oxford companion to childrens literature The last thirty years have witnessed one of the most fertile periods in the history of childrens books: the flowering of imaginative illustration and writing the Harry Potter phenomenon the rise of young adult and crossover fiction and books that tackle extraordinarily difficult subjects. The Oxford Companion to Childrens Literature provides an indispensable and fascinating reference guide to the world of childrens literature. Its 3 500 entries cover every genre from fairy tales to chapbooks; school stories to science fiction; comics to childrens hymns. Originally published in 1983 the Companion has been comprehensively revised and updated by Daniel Hahn. Over 900 new entries bring the book right up to date. A whole generation of new authors and illustrators are showcased with books like Dogger The Hunger Games and Twilight making their first appearance. There are articles on developments such as manga fan fiction and non print publishing and there is additional information on prizes and prizewinners. This accessible A to Z is the first place to look for information about the authors illustrators printers publishers educationalists and others who have influenced the development of childrens literature as well as the stories and characters at their centre. Written both to entertain and to instruct the highly acclaimed Oxford Companion to Childrens Literature is a reference work that no one interested in the world of childrens books should be without.