Since the Renaissance, educators have realised the power of books not only in developing literacy, but also in influencing children's thinking, attitudes and behaviour. Today, more than ever before, books have become a commodity to be marketed to a specific audience. Sophisticated picture books, 'young adult' fiction, science fiction, pulp fiction, information books, and an increasing range of fiction titles catering for pre-schoolers up to school leavers: never has there been so much - of both the good and the bad, and particularly the indifferent. "Books in the Life of a Child" explores the value of books and reading in the stimulation of children's imagination and their fundamental importance in the development of language and true literacy. It examines not only the vast range of children's books available, with an emphasis on Australian titles, but also how to introduce young people to the joys of reading in the home, the school and in the community. The book has been written as a resource for all adults, especially teachers, student teachers, librarians and parents, and those who care about the value of literature for children. It is a comprehensive and critical guide, with chapters on the history of children's literature and an analysis of its many forms and genres, from poetry, fairytale, myth, legend and fantasy, through realistic and historical fiction, to humour, pulp fiction and information books. In language free of jargon, it addresses such issues as: What is the value of books for children in today's technological world? What about the current theories of criticism? How does the history of children's literature help us? How do the various genres relate? How do we best promote the literature in order to turn kids on to reading that will enrich their lives forever? Here is a book for those who believe that literature not only imitates life but helps make sense of it. We all live by our stories!