I'm not an expert on guides to children's books aimed mostly at parents and librarians, but I suspect this may be one of the best among them. Or would it be more accurate just to say that Landsberg's taste closely matches mine? Thanks to this book I discovered E.C. Spykman, who became a favorite, and tried Howl's Moving Castle which I adore.
Just pulled it off the shelf as I was feeling stumped on what to read to my seven year-old next, and found an answer almost immediately: Arabel's Raven by Joan Aiken, if the library has it, that is. It's a shame there has never been an updated edition -- but for reading lists of pre-1987 books, it can't be beat.
Probably the very best book about books I've ever read. I wish it was still in print, and updated. As it is, it's a great resource for books written before 1986. I can predict I will be borrowing this from my library again.
curious about this one! the author pointed out dahl's antisemitism & the misogyny in his books relatively early; e.g. here: https://lilith.org/articles/think-twi...