Although scores of authors have written more books than Esther Forbes (1891-1967), few have received as many literary awards or as much widespread recognition.

Jack Bales's comprehensive Forbes bio-bibliography provides a biographical essay largely based on letters, interviews, and other contemporary source material.

The second section of the book is an annotated bibliography of criticism, divided into general criticism and criticism of Forbes as a children's writer. Works covered include book reviews, newspaper and magazine articles, biographical and bibliographic studies, children's literature references, study guides, essays, theses and dissertations, and other critical writings. The other two sections of the book include lists of sources consulted, as well as an author and title index.