A comprehensive guide to children's literature, featuring international works and contributions from notable authors and critics.
Compiled by Julia Eccleshare, children's book editor for The Guardian, '1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up' is a literary reference published in 2009. The book is recognized for its diverse selection of international stories, originally written in numerous languages including Japanese, Slovak, Italian, Chinese, Swedish, Russian, and Dutch.
It includes commentary from respected figures in children's literature, such as Wayne Mills, Lorraine Orman, Michael Morpurgo, Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, Jamila Gavin, Philip Pullman, and 25 others, whose contributions are presented in a distinct style. The volume also features brief excerpts from the books, presented in bold alongside their reviews. Each entry offers a summary and author information, with picture books enhanced by colorful illustrations. The book covers genres like fantasy, adventure, history, and contemporary life. It is a substantial hardcover volume of 960 pages, prefaced by Quentin Blake and introduced by Eccleshare, with alphabetical indexes for titles and authors/illustrators, organized by reading level.
The reference book is notable for its broad scope, encompassing children's literature from various global origins and languages. It presents reviews from established children's authors and critics, with featured writers including Michael Morpurgo, Judy Blume, and Philip Pullman, among many others. These expert opinions are accompanied by short passages from the books themselves. Each listing provides a synopsis of the work and details about its creator. Illustrated books are presented with accompanying artwork, and the collection spans multiple genres such as fantasy, adventure, and contemporary narratives. The book is structured with an alphabetical index of titles and another by author and illustrator, and it categorizes entries by age appropriateness, ranging from 0-3 years up to 12+.
The book has garnered positive attention from literary reviewers. Julie Just of The New York Times highlighted its value in helping readers rediscover cherished books and unearth forgotten gems. Similarly, Meghan Cox Gurdon of The Wall Street Journal pointed out its utility for parents seeking to find less common titles for their children, suggesting it counteracts the distractions of the internet by making book discovery more accessible. Film critic Roger Ebert also offered a brief endorsement via Twitter, describing it as potentially a child's first introduction to reading, owing to its engaging visuals and straightforward text.
