Dictionary of American Children's Fiction, 1859-1959 - by Alethea Helbig & Agnes Regan Perkins & Alethea K Helbig (Hardcover)

About the Book

Helbig and Perkins offer in one comprehensive volume information about fiction of recognized distinction written for children: entries give biographical data on authors, detailed plot summaries, information about outstanding characters, memorable settings, significant motifs. The authors, both respected critics and university teachers of literature, have certainly performed a service to students of children's literature in compiling all the data they present here. Their brief critical evaluations are a special strength of the book. Children's Literature Association Quarterly

A welcome addition for all libraries whose staff or patrons seek the best in children's literature.

American Libraries

Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biograhies for 420 children's books. Choice

Book Synopsis

Helbig and Perkins offer in one comprehensive volume information about fiction of recognized distinction written for children: entries give biographical data on authors, detailed plot summaries, information about outstanding characters, memorable settings, significant motifs. The authors, both respected critics and university teachers of literature, have certainly performed a service to students of children's literature in compiling all the data they present here. Their brief critical evaluations are a special strength of the book. Children's Literature Association Quarterly

A welcome addition for all libraries whose staff or patrons seek the best in children's literature.
American Libraries

Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biograhies for 420 children's books. Choice

Review Quotes

?Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biographies for 420 children's books, which were selected by compiling various lists of award-winners and finalists ... characters are usually remembered by first name. There are no actual lists of award books, but one can track them down, if they have been mentioned, through the index, which is also extremely useful for locating books by subject or theme, a welcome feature for librarians and students of children's literature. Although there are other recent reference works that are broader in coverage, they do not attempt the depth of detail that is the chief attribute of this sturdy though expensive book....?-Choice

?This unique reference source has 1,266 entries in three pertinent areas--author, title, and character. It covers 420 books of fiction for children. All books have won or been finalists for major awards in children's literature.... Title entries are the lengthiest with their inclusion of setting, plot summary, brief critical commentary, any awards, and bibliographical information. Author entries provide basic biographical facts, background, contributions to children's literature, works and awards they have won, and more. Character entries cover important physical and personality traits, contributions to plot, relation to protagonist, where appropriate, and for some, quality of characterization. General index. Elementary teachers and children's librarians should find this most useful.?-Reference Book Review

"Browsers will be ensnared by this book, which gives extremely detailed (if rather rigorously critical) plot summaries, character sketches, and brief author biographies for 420 children's books, which were selected by compiling various lists of award-winners and finalists ... characters are usually remembered by first name. There are no actual lists of award books, but one can track them down, if they have been mentioned, through the index, which is also extremely useful for locating books by subject or theme, a welcome feature for librarians and students of children's literature. Although there are other recent reference works that are broader in coverage, they do not attempt the depth of detail that is the chief attribute of this sturdy though expensive book...."-Choice

"This unique reference source has 1,266 entries in three pertinent areas--author, title, and character. It covers 420 books of fiction for children. All books have won or been finalists for major awards in children's literature.... Title entries are the lengthiest with their inclusion of setting, plot summary, brief critical commentary, any awards, and bibliographical information. Author entries provide basic biographical facts, background, contributions to children's literature, works and awards they have won, and more. Character entries cover important physical and personality traits, contributions to plot, relation to protagonist, where appropriate, and for some, quality of characterization. General index. Elementary teachers and children's librarians should find this most useful."-Reference Book Review

About the Author

lbig /f Alethea /i K.

kins /f Agnes /i Regan