Abstract: Leonard Marcus's pathfinding writings and exhibitions have earned him acclaim as one of the world's preeminent authorities on children's books and the people who create them. His publications include biographies, histories, interviews, and in-depth studies on works that have become enduring classics in children's literature. 25 of his works won various awards. As a founding trustee of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Marcus curated the New York Public Library's landmark exhibition, “The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter.” Zhang Shengzhen, a Fulbright visiting scholar at New York University (2019—2020), interviewed Marcus on a wide range of topics, including childhood, children's literature, children's books, crossover literature, and American children's literature. Marcus regards children's literature as both a rich repository of collective memory and cultural heritage for each nation. In his view, therefore, it should be taken seriously. American children's literature was influenced by British literature, but it embarked on its own course of independent development after the Civil War and gradually showed its national uniqueness and impact. Thanks to the influence from various factors, children's literature has shaken off its marginal status and become part of the mainstream literature. This will bring greater challenges, as well as more chances, to the writers, critics, educators, and publishers of children's literature.

Key words: childhood, children's literature, children's books, crossover literature, American children's literature