Why do adults write about the child and why do they choose to depict children? This book looks at various examples from literature, art and film to analyze aspects of adults’ outlook on the child, and what it tells us about the adult. It pays special attention to the eye motif, as well as looking, watching and representing children. It outlines what might become an interesting topic of analysis for other studies, namely, the idea that the adult’s journey to self-actualization passes through writing for and about children. Rather than drawing major conclusions, the book opens venues for further thought on the topics treated. It also brings together works that might not have been compared or contrasted before, so that the reader can acquire a broader view of the threads that connect literature, art and film.

The last thirty years have witnessed one of the most fertile periods in the history of children's books. A fascinating reference guide to the world of children's literature, this volume covers every genre from fairy tales to chapbooks; school stories to science fiction; comics to children's hymns