One of the most scholarly treatments of children's literature available, this book makes a significant contribution to both the examination of children's literature and the theoretical study of literary character. It excels brilliantly on both levels. Accessible, free from jargon, and thoroughly usable, the book will be useful both to those used to more traditional discussions of static or flat character and to those more comfortable with the newer language of intersubjective character construction. Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above.
CHOICE
As always, Nikolajeva's familiarity with a wide range of international literary theory and children's literature is apparent...a welcome survey of the literature and a starting place for future studies of aspects of character that have only been touched on here.
Children's Literature
This study will be of greatest use in academic libraries and public libraries that support courses in children's literature at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
School Library Journal