"The Important Books: Children's Books as Art and Literature" by Joseph Stanton; Scarecrow Press, $25

University of Hawai'i associate professor of arts and humanities Joseph Stanton understands that great picture books are deceptively simple. In his introduction to this collection of essays, Stanton explains the significance of the picture book as an important form of literary visual art. Picture books are also valuable, he writes, "because they provide the context for an intimate transaction involving the imaginations of parent and child."

The collection of essays considers works by Chris Van Allsburg, Maurice Sendak, Margaret Wise Brown, Arnold Lobel, William Joyce, Tomie dePaola, Barbara Cooney and Donald Hall.

Stanton is a published poet and editor of anthologies. Buy his books at stores or through www.scarecrowpress.com.