Unlock the Magic in Children’s Books:

A Brief History of Children's Literature

We live in an age where children are encouraged to read in order to succeed. This wasn't always the case.
Attitudes towards children and children's literature have changed throughout history. The 16th-17th century saw children being treated as "sinful", and only allowed to read strict religious materials to help discipline them in the ways of the church.
As time went on, children were seen as little adults. Very few books were available with a children's theme. When the "Golden Age" of civilization arrived in the Victorian era, children were treated better in general and affordable books written for children were more accessible.
Today, there are so many books for children to choose from. How are we, as parents with our children's best interests in mind, supposed to differentiate between the junk and the treasures? In addition to so many choices, we also have to take into consideration, our children's attitudes and preferences about reading, which can make finding books difficult. For example, some children love to read and choose to do nothing else with their free time. Other children, like my son, only read when they "have to". Some children like to read only one kind of book and refuse to broaden their horizons.
FAQ

• How can parents make reading more enjoyable yet keep it educational?
• How can we get children interested in other types of books?
• How and where can we find quality, educational literature?

The answers to these questions will be answered in this guide that is set up in five short sections that highlight "standards" or criteria you should look for when choosing quality literature. Remember, these standards are just guidelines to help you get started and are focused on selections for pre-readers (ages 2-6) up to 3rd grade. If successful, the guide will help you find quality books that will both educate and entertain your children.
Happy Reading

STANDARD #1: Quality children's books, especially picture books, should be aesthetically pleasing
Children's books should have an artistic style as well as tell a good story. Style can be anything from picture and text placement to cover design and artistic medium. Many children's books illustrators use vivid colors that express moods and attitudes in the book. Author, illustrator, Leo Lionni, uses sponge painting for his unique books as this medium works well with his stories about animals and nature. The soft texture of the sponge paint adds dimension to his characters that helps express emotions.

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic