Children’s Literature

Presented byProf. T. Méndez

ENGL 3440 Children’s Literature in English

Children’s Literature Defined

• Definitions vary from culture to culture, from critic to critic, and from reader to reader.

• The imaginative shaping of life thought into the forms and structures of language (Huck’s 2007).

• Children’s literature may be considered an aesthetic experience; a reconstruction of past experience, an extension of experience, or the creation of a new experience.

What is Children’s Literature?

• Before the nineteenth century very few books were geared toward a children’s audience.

• Children read books for adults, taking what they could understand from them.

• Today, children continue to read adult books but the reverse is not unheard of.

• Books about children may not necessarily be for them.

• Just because a book has a child protagonist does not mean it is intended for children.

• Children’s literature has changed throughout the years in accordance to continuing changes in society.

What is Children’s Literature?

Characteristics of Children’s Literature

• Children’s literature is often less frank than adult literature.

• Contemporary children’s literature reflect the problems of today. (Such as the ones they read about in newspapers, see on television or live at home).

• The content is usually simplistic and straightforward without certain emotional and psychological responses.

• It is about childhood.

Characteristics of Children’s Literature

• It reflects the emotions and experiences of children today.

• It will express a child's point of view• It is optimistic.

Hope is a vital dimension of a children’s book.• It will often contain illustrations, especially in

younger children’s books.

Characteristics of Children’s Literature

• It tends to be repetitious.• Does not contain adult themes and is “child appropriate”

This can be problematic at times. There is a difference in opinion on “what is appropriate for children.

• Children’s books often focus on action Subtle psychological events are often implied

through narration and comment on actions.

Characteristics of Children’s Literature

• Children’s literature tends toward fantasy.• Is didactic:

• Educational• Will have happy endings, but not

necessarily the norm.