Much has been written about children’s literature as a genre, but very little material exists on how to use it in diverse South African classrooms where teachers prepare young learners in literacy skills. Introducing children’s literature equips the prospective teacher with a strong theoretical introduction to the genre and details how children can be encouraged to become enthusiastic readers.

The new edition features updated content on Afrocentric theories of development, new literacy studies, artificial intelligence, translation of children’s literature and the effect of colonialism on the production of children’s literature.

This book provides insight into

• the developmental stages of a child
• the history of South African literature, with reference to the oral tradition
• the role of the adult in establishing a reading culture
• practicalities of introducing stories and literature to children in different phases from diverse contexts
• the use of illustrations and technology to enhance other literacies
• techniques of storytelling and selecting appropriate texts
• the influence of the hidden curriculum in terms of moral development, stereotyping, sanitising and representation.

The authors collectively have decades of experience in teacher education, teaching at the chalkface and raising their own children to enjoy reading. Many practical suggestions for using children’s literature in the classroom make this book a necessity for teachers, student teachers and parents.