Written by key scholars and authors, this collection of essays examines contemporary and historical children’s literature. From a wry look at girls' school stories from the last century to a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary, illustrated children's books from Australia, this volume offers a timely and critical examination of the overt and subtle ways in which children's literature reflects and responds to the political environment from which it springs. Wide-ranging in its approach and themes, this account also discusses the interplay between culture and identity and how these influences are reflected in children’s books.