The Joy of Children's Literature provides in-depth coverage of children's literature with integrated reading methods in a concise, accessible format. The compact length allows for more time during the course to read the numerous children's books highlighted in the text. Johnson emphasizes that reading, writing, discussing, and finding pleasure in children's books are essential to the ability to recognize and recommend literature, and ultimately, to the ability to share the joy of children's literature with children themselves. The text is divided into three main parts. Part I introduces foundational concepts necessary to the study of children's literature, including child development and the history and scope of children's literature. Part II, the primary focus of the text, analyzes a different literary genre in each chapter, providing a history of the genre, a consideration of its role in modern children's literature, key books in the genre, and discussion topics to encourage involvement with the material. Part III considers the usage of children's literature in the classroom, with practical advice for teaching. Many features in this text specifically incorporate the Cengage Learning Education Mission Statement: to provide quality content to student teachers and help them bridge the gap from preservice to practice, fostering lifelong career success. Among these features are A Closer Look, special reference charts for teachers, Activities for Professional Development, Creating Your Classroom Library, and the two chapters on teaching which close the book.