This British import, a survey of influential children’s books (part of the 1001 series and edited by the Guardian
’s children’s books editor), offers a comprehensive and diverse compendium of more than a century’s worth of essential reads. The compact and encyclopedia-thick format is divided into five age ranges. A review of each book is accompanied by original publication information (readers will have to research current availability, especially as some titles differ in the U.S. market) and themes, with cover and interior art interspersed throughout. Favorites like Bridge to Terabithia
will satisfy traditionalists, while crossover books like Italo Calvino’s The Baron in the Trees
and international selections (for example, Swedish author Pernilla Stalfelt’s The Death Book
) will broaden the canon. An asset for all those who’ve caught—or never lost—the bug. (Nov.)
