Synopses & Reviews
This user-friendly textbook for students of creative writing explores the issue of picture books, literacy and writing for children in their early years. Andrew Melrose encourages students to examine the critical questions in child literacy through an exploration of the fusion of text and images. Accessibly written and lively in its approach, this textbook includes:
- a critical and creative investigation of early years writing and reading creative writing craftwork ideas which could be used as seminar topics or as individual reflections
- a road map to developing critical awareness of childrena (TM)s literature, allowing students to develop their critical and writing skills
- tasks for use in group or individual learning contexts
- end of chapter a checkpointsa (TM), through which undergraduates are encouraged to reflect on their own creative and critical development so far
- a fully up-to-date exploration of critical approaches to childrena (TM)s writing, including theories of creativity and creative writing.
This book will be particularly relevant to education students and students on Creative Writing and English BA and MA programmes and teacher training students who are interested in writing for children.
Synopsis
Monsters Under the Bed is an essential text focussing on critical and contemporary issues surrounding writing for 'early years' children. Containing a critically creative and a creatively critical investigation of the cult and culture of the child and childhood in fiction and non-fictional writing, it also contains a wealth of ideas and critical advice.
This text dynamically explores the issue of picture books, literacy and writing for early years children with a wider view on child-centred culture, communication and media. Internationally recognised as an expert in the field, Andrew Melrose encourages academics, researchers and students to examine the fundamental questions in writing for and addressing 'early years' children, through an exploration of text and images. Accessibly written and lively in its approach, this book includes:
- an accessible and critically important challenge to the latest international academic research and debates in the field of children's literature and creative writing
- an extensive investigation of early years writing and reading
- a pathway to developing critical awareness of children's literature, allowing students to develop their own critical ability and writing skills
- constant 'checkpoints' throughout, in which the reader is encouraged to reflect on critically creative and creatively critical development.
Providing a coherent and pedagogical approach, this compelling text will be an indispensable resource for critics, writers and students interested in children's writing, as well as those on Creative Writing, Children's Literature and English BA and MA programmes. It will also be of great interest to those in teacher training, PGCE students and for those studying at Doctoral and Post-Doctoral level.