A groundbreaking collection of essays on a hitherto underexplored subject that challenges the existing stereotypical views of the trivial and innocent nature of children's culture, this work reveals for the first time the artistic and complex interactions among children. Based on research of scholars from such diverse fields as American studies, anthropology, education, folklore, psychology, and sociology, this volume represents a radical new attempt to redefine and reinterpret the expressive behaviors of children. The book is divided into four major sections: history, methodology, genres, and setting, with a concluding chapter on theory. Each section is introduced by an overview by Brian Sutton-Smith. The accompanying bibliography lists historical references through the present, representing works by scholars for over 100 years.

Who Are the Folklorists of Childhood? Sylvia Ann Grider * The Complexity of Children's Folklore Rosemary L vy Zumwalt * The Transmission of Children's Folklore John McDowell * Double Dutch and Double Cameras Ann Richman Beresin * Girls' Gaming Linda A. Hughes * Methodological Problems in Collecting Folklore from Children Gary Alan Fine * Songs, Poems, and Rhymes, C.W. Sullivan III * Riddles Danielle M. Roemer * Tales and Legneds Elizabeth Tucker * Teases and Pranks Marilyn Jorgensen * Children's Lore in School and Playgrounds Bernard Mergen * Material Folklore of Children Simon J. Bronner * The Folklore in Children and Adolescents in Total Institutions Jay Mechling * The Past in the Present: Theoretical Directions for Children's FolkloreFelicia McMahon and Brian Sutton-Smith * Glossary of Key Terms * Bibliography Thomas W. Johnson (and Felicia McMahon) * Index. Glossary`