Before the Internet, Wal-Mart, and the shopping mall, there was Montgomery Ward.

Upon publication, Anita Silvey’s comprehensive survey of contemporary children’s literature, Children’s Books and Their Creators, garnered unanimous praise from librarians, educators, and specialists interested in the world of writing for children. Now The Essential Guide to Children’s Books and Their Creators assembles the best of that volume in one handy, affordable reference, geared specifically to parents, educators, and students. This new volume introduces readers to the wealth of children’s literature by focusing on the essentials — the best books for children, the ones that inform, impress, and, most important, excite young readers. Updated to include newcomers such as J. K. Rowling and Lemony Snicket and to cover the very latest on publishing and educational trends, this edition features more than 475 entries on the best-loved children’s authors and illustrators, numerous essays on social and historical issues, thirty personal glimpses into craft by well-known writers, illustrators, and critics, and invaluable reading lists by category. The Essential Guide to Children’s Books and Their Creators summarizes the canon of contemporary children’s literature, in a practical guide essential for anyone choosing a book for or working with children.

'Honest and precise, everything about writing for children there is to know.' Jane Yolen, author Here is the comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for an ever-expanding and always exciting children's market, now in a new and updated third edition. - Includes new chapters on self-publishing and on "how to choose a how-to", plus revision and updates throughout. - Offers practical advice on getting started and on dealing with out-of-print books. - Covers picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, middle-grade and young novels, and common formats and genres. - Reveals what happens inside a children's publishing company, and provides guidance in working with an editor. - Sample cover and query letters, manuscript format, glossary, and recommended resources in an extensive appendix. - Plus information on agents, contracts, copyright, marketing and more.

People love their dogs. They also love their gardens. But sometimes these two passions seem to be in conflict. Dog Friendly Gardens will show you how to design your garden with your dog in mind and be your guide to dog-friendly training efforts. Every part of this book shows you how garden design and gardening tasks can blend harmoniously with dog ownership. Just like a dog can be trained to respect your indoor living space, she can also be trained to respect the garden and its many features. Garden design, pet-safe products and dog friendly training.