Key facts
UNE unit code: ENGL310
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

From picture books to first chapter books, then on to young adult literature, the world of children’s literature takes you on an extensive and nuanced journey.
In this unit you will look at how children’s literature works; through humour, fantasy, realism, and in visual and verbal modes. You will trace the changing role and reception of children’s literature as a genre aimed towards readers of many backgrounds and ages.
You will be analysing and critically evaluating a range of children’s literary texts and considering the key concepts and contexts in the field of children’s literature.
Expand your awareness of the current debates surrounding children’s literature and its importance to the development of the next generation.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and critically evaluate debates within the field of children's literature;
- demonstrate advanced knowledge of key features of the constituted genres of children's literature;
- critically analyse and evaluate children's literature texts; and
- apply advanced reading, writing and research skills in the critical interpretation of children's literature.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Written task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2: Written task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Lonely Castle in the Mirror
ISBN: 9781529176667
Mizuki Tsujimura, Penguin 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
Holes
ISBN: 9781408865231
Sachar, L., Bloomsbury Publishing 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Where the Wild Things Are
ISBN: 9780099408390
Sendak, M., Red Fox 2000
Text refers to: All offerings
The Golden Day
ISBN: 9781742374710
Dubosarsky, U., Allen & Unwin 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters
ISBN: 9780670886241
Ahlberg, J. and Ahlberg, A., Viking Children's Books 1999
Text refers to: All offerings
Dream Little One, Dream
ISBN: 9780143507215
Morgan, S. and Kwaymullina, A., Penguin 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Tom Weekly 4: My Life and Other Exploding Chickens
ISBN: 9781761042713
Bancks, T., Penguin Random House Australia 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
The Two-Hearted Numbat
ISBN: 9781921888007
Kwaymullina, A. and Kwaymullina, E., Fremantle Press 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
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