This was a really informative and helpful read in studying and pinpointing the origins of children's literature in America. Avery does a great job noting the differences between English and American perceptions of children and what each nation believed their literature should encourage in children (whether whimsy, industriousness, religious values, imagination, etc.). It is clear that Avery tirelessly researched in order to write this book, as well as discovered some great finds in archives and libraries. I have lots of notes for potential springing off points and a much longer children's literature to-read list thanks to this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It highlights the timeline of children's literature and periodicals in America. I read this as background information for my Masters Thesis and thought it served as a solid foundation of Children's lit.

This is a very good academic tome on the early history of American children's literature. Not for the faint of heart, and they are better books if you are interested in this topic and not doing research. Still, an excellent read.