Editors' Note

The American experience as interpreted in children's literature portrays a land interacting with characters and frequently providing a challenge that young people must meet and come to understand. The first three essays provide the reader with insights into the role of nature, borders, and pastoral values that are particularly American.

1994 celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of D-Day. War presents a different challenge to American children whether it be a projected nuclear war or the American Revolution. Strangely, during World War II, few books mentioned the war. Only after a period of years did authors begin examining children's and young adults' involvement with the war, a subject explored by Caroline Hunt.

Joel Chaston presents the paradox of the Oz fantasy. Where is our heart's desire? Has Baum situated it in America, in the heartland?

J. D. Stahl will guest edit the next issue on Recent Developments in European Children's Literary Theory (June 1995), and Suzanne Rahn will edit the December 1995 issue on the topic Green Worlds: Nature in Children's Books. Future themes include Children's Literature and Film, Forgotten and Neglected Authors, and The Great Collectors.