eResearch Guides

Children's Literature
Library Research
and
Resources

Doing Library Research

The Children’s Literature field is a vast and exciting specialty in literature. Areas of research can include study of the genres of literature for children, author and illustrator research, selection of appropriate materials, multicultural literature, and other avenues of interest.

It is important to distinguish between finding actual children’s literature (books and materials intended for young audiences) and sources about children’s literature.

While the Internet may provide useful information, it may not be your best source.

Print Resources
Finding Juvenile Books
Juvenile books can be searched through the MCC Library Catalog. The prefix JUV in the call number identifies these materials and all JUV books are housed together. At the Paul A. Elsner Library the collection of Caldecott and Newbery Medal books is housed at the start of the Juvenile Collection. At the Red Mountain Library the Caldecott and Newbery books are shelved within the regular Juvenile Collection.

MCC Library Catalog
Use the catalog to identify and locate materials both in the Juvenile Collection and materials about children’s literature in the regular collection. These materials include:

Works of literature by the author or illustrator or title
• Books of criticism and study of particular fields within children’s literature
• Biographies of authors and illustrators
• Specialized Encyclopedias
• Selection tools for finding good books for children

Use the following searches in the catalog:
• Author search for works by an author or illustrator
• Subject search for works about an author or illustrator
• Title search for a specific work
• Keyword search to combine terms of relevance

Reference Materials
Both Library locations own excellent reference sources in the field of Children’s Literature. Selections include:


.
A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books
(REF PN1009.A1 L55 2001)
MCC & RM

.
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6
(REF PN1009.A1 N265 1999)
MCC & RM
American Writers for Children
(REF PS21 .D5)
MCC
Children’s Books and Their Creators
(REF PN1009.A1 C5424 1995)
MCC
Children’s Literature Review
(REF PN1009.A1 C5139)
MCC
The Continuum Encyclopedia of Children’s Literature
(REF PN1008.5 .C66 2003)
MCC
The Essential Guide to Children's Books and Their Creators
(REF PS490 .E87 2002)
MCC
The Junior Book of Authors
(REF PN 1009 A1 K8)
MCC
The New York Times Parent’s Guide to the Best Books For Children
(REF PN1009.A1 L56 2000)
MCC & RM
The Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books
(REF PN1009.A1 N427 2001)
MCC & RM

The Oxford Companion to Children’s Literature
(REF PN1008.5 .C37 1984)
MCC & RM
Something about the Author
(REF PN451 .S6)
MCC

Yesterday’s Authors of Books for Children
(REF PN 451 Y4)
MCC

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