An invaluable resource for professionals who wish to write book evaluations—and for all serious fans of children's literature! This revised edition of  From Cover to Cover offers a fresh, up-to-date look at some of the best examples of children’s literature and also includes practical advice on how to write clearly articulated, reasoned opinions so that others can learn about books they have not yet read. A brief, updated introduction clearly explains how children’s books evolve from manuscripts into bound books and the importance of the many different parts of a book (jacket flaps, title page, copyright, etc.) and changes in the children’s book industry, such as the creation of two new major genre awards. In addition, the author demonstrates how to think about and critically evaluate several different genres of children’s books. Included are sections about books of information (and the author’s responsibility to document sources); traditional literature (myths, legends, tall tales, folktales); poetry, verse, rhymes, and songs; picture books; easy readers and traditional books; and fiction and graphic novels. There is also a concluding chapter on how to write reviews that are both descriptive and analytical, including a segment on children’s literature blogs. Updated material includes: •An introduction that reflects the many changes in the children’s book industry •A section on genres, including a discussion of graphic novels •A section on children’s literature blogs •An introduction of two new major genre awards: the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award and the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award •And more than 90% of the books cited have been updated from the first edition to more recent publications! In the 12 years since the first edition of this guide was published, much has changed in the children’s book world. The second edition acknowledges this through updated book titles and commentary and by including subgenres in the chapter on fiction. One thing that has not changed, however, is the usefulness of this beautifully written how-to manual, which also manages to present a treatise on what is best in children’s literature and why. Following an initial chapter on the construction and publication of children’s books, subsequent chapters treat informational books, folk and fairy tales, poetry and verse, picture books, easy readers and transitional books, and fiction. The final chapter deals with crafting a review. The chapters on genres give ample tips on telling a well-written, well-composed book from a less-excellent specimen. The chapter on reviewing covers the distinction between reviewing and criticism and then takes a soup-to-nuts approach to preparing and composing a review. An excellent resource for any reviewer, this has special application for libraries serving information schools and for school districts that maintain in-house reviewing programs. --Ann Welton “An engaging read. Aspiring book review writers will treasure this book.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “Succinct, highly readable, and eminently useful.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Anyone entering the field of children’s book reviewing, or indeed, the wider field of children’s literature, will find From Cover to Cover an excellent guide.” - ALA Booklist “A user-friendly handbook.” - The Horn Book From Cover to Cover is a fresh, up-to-date look at some of the best examples of children's literature today, and also includes practical advice on how to write clearly articulated, reasoned opinions so that others can learn about books they have not yet read. In addition to a brief introduction that clearly explains how children's books evolve from manuscripts into bound books, and a simple explanation of the importance of the many different parts of a book (jacket flaps, title page, copyright, Cataloging-in-Publication information, etc.), the author demonstrates how to think about and critically evaluate several different genres of children's books. Included are sections about books of information (and the author's responsibility to document sources); traditional literature (myths, legends, tall tales, folktales); poetry, verse, rhymes, and songs; picture books; easy readers and transitional books; and fiction. There is also a concluding chapter on how to write reviews that are both descriptive and analytical. From Cover to Cover has been considered the definitive guide to reading, reviewing, and critically evaluating children's books since its original publication in 1997. Now revised and updated, it remains an invaluable resource offering a fresh, up-to-date look at a fast-changing field. All-new material includes: An updated introduction that reflects the many changes in the children's book industry - A section on genres, including a discussion of graphic novels - A section on children's literature blogs - An introduction of two new major genre awards—the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal and the Theodor