Looking for a practitioner-oriented intro to literature for children ages 5-12? This book covers the latest trends, titles, and tools for choosing the best books and materials as well as for planning fun and effective programs and activities.

Children's Literature in Action: An Educator's Guide, Second Edition presents an action-oriented approach for sharing books with children ages 5 through 12, planning book-based programs, and collaborating with teachers and families in sharing books and developing literature-based instruction. Author Sylvia M. Vardell draws on her 30 years of university teaching and extensive familiarity with the major textbooks in the area of children's literature to deliver something different: a book that focuses specifically on the perspective and needs of the librarian, with emphasis on practical action and library applications. The contents address seven major genres: picture books, traditional tales, poetry, contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and informational books.

This invaluable book addresses such questions as How should a librarian select and share books in each genre? and How do I generate interest in reading with today's students? as well as What are the best promotion and collaboration activities associated with each genre? Although the work is specifically written to help new librarians get up to speed in the field of children's literature, it will benefit everyone from experienced, practicing librarians and children's services paraprofessionals to elementary level educators and parents who homeschool their children.

* Includes recommendations and evaluations of digital eBooks, apps, and audiobooks as well as print titles, providing full coverage of the range of materials for children today

* Features short essays by top authors and practitioners in the field to give readers expert opinions and guidance

* Provides author comments, collaborative activities, featured books, special topics and programs, selected awards and celebrations, historical connections, recommended resources, issues for discussion, relevant professional standards, and assignment suggestions within each chapter

* Addresses the most recent professional and curricular standards for elementary school students-a key element of today's education assessment standards