Despite Kipling's popularity as an author and his standing as a politically controversial figure, much of his work has remained relatively unexamined due to its characterization as 'children's literature'. Sue Walsh challenges the apparently clear division between 'children's' and 'adult' literature, and poses important questions about how these strict categories have influenced critical work on Kipling and on literature in general. For example, why are some of Kipling's books viewed as children's literature, and what critical assumptions does this label produce? Why is it that Kim is viewed by critics as transcending attempts at categorization? Using Kipling as a case study, Walsh discusses texts such as Kim, The Jungle Books, the Just-So Stories, Puck of Pook's Hill, and Rewards and Fairies, re-evaluating earlier critical approaches and offering fresh readings of these relatively neglected works. In the process, she suggests new directions for postcolonial and childhood studies and interrogates the way biographical criticism on children's literature in particular has tended to supersede and obstruct other kinds of readings.

Despite Kipling's popularity as an author and his standing as a politically controversial figure, much of his work has remained relatively unexamined due to its characterization as 'children's literature'. Sue Walsh challenges the apparently clear division between 'children's' and 'adult' literature, and poses important questions about how these strict categories have influenced critical work on Kipling and on literature in general. For example, why are some of Kipling's books viewed as children's literature, and what critical assumptions does this label produce? Why is it that Kim is viewed by critics as transcending attempts at categorization? Using Kipling as a case study, Walsh discusses texts such as Kim, The Jungle Books, the Just-So Stories, Puck of Pook's Hill, and Rewards and Fairies, re-evaluating earlier critical approaches and offering fresh readings of these relatively neglected works. In the process, she suggests new directions for postcolonial and childhood studies and interrogates the way biographical criticism on children's literature in particular has tended to supersede and obstruct other kinds of readings.

This is a guide to teaching creative writing to primary school children aged 8-11. The 22 classroom-tested exercises encourage students to explore their emotions, their senses, and the world around them. Activities are designed to get children thinking about and describing what they see, hear, smell, taste and the thoughts which pass through their minds, re-enforcing their basic grammar and widening their vocabulary. The aim is to get children writing for enjoyment. The assignments are a springboard from which ideas are formed and then developed. They are structured to encourage spontaneous thought and to allow the writer to follow ideas; freeing the conscious mind from restraint to simply write. Above all, they are for children to have fun, to help them tap into emotions and imagination - which may well surprise both them and you. Get Children Writing brings together clear objectives, teachers' notes, and examples of techniques, styles, and formats drawn from classic children's literature into one classroom-ready sourcebook. Many of the assignments can be adapted to suit children younger or older than 8-11. We all love a story.