Overview

May Hill Arbuthnot (August 27, 1884 – October 2, 1969) was an American educator, editor, writer and critic whose work helped professionalize and popularize the study of children’s literature. She devoted her career to improving how books for young readers were chosen, taught and discussed by teachers, librarians and parents.

Career and contributions

Arbuthnot combined classroom experience, editorial skill and critical judgment. Over decades she taught, lectured and wrote about methods for encouraging reading and for evaluating children’s books on the basis of literary quality and suitability for particular ages. Her interests ranged from practical selection criteria for school and public libraries to broader questions about the role of story and poetry in childhood development.

Major works and teaching

She is best known for a popular textbook that introduced generations of students and practitioners to the field of children’s literature. In addition to that book, she compiled bibliographies, edited anthologies and produced articles and reviews intended to guide teachers and librarians in choosing effective and appealing materials. Her classroom work and public talks emphasized read-aloud practices and the importance of matching books to developmental stages.

Principles she promoted

  • Literary quality: books should be judged by narrative and poetic merits as well as by usefulness.
  • Age-appropriate selection: attention to what children can understand and enjoy at different stages.
  • Read-aloud and shared reading: techniques to foster appreciation and literacy.
  • Professional standards: clear criteria for librarians and teachers when building collections.

Influence and legacy

Arbuthnot helped establish children’s literature as a subject of professional study and practical training in libraries and schools. Her writings and courses influenced how collections were built and how storytime and classroom reading were conducted. Institutions in the field continue to honor her name through lectures and awards that recognize contributions to children’s literature and librarianship. She was also named among the American Libraries list of "100 Most Important Leaders we had for the 20th Century," a recognition of her lasting impact.