OVERVIEW: Understandi

ng Children’s Literature

What is Children’s Literature?

What is literature in general? Imaginative shaping of life and

thinking into languageRevelation of the human condition

(feelings, thoughts, insights)Connection between the material and

the readerWhat is children’s literature?

Child’s book read by child, book read by adult to child—before 19th century only a few books written for children!

Children today exposed to violence through mass media—children’s literature is limited by the experience and understanding of the child.

Children’s literature must have the child’s ‘eye’ at center—no cynicism or despair.

Value of Children’s Literature

Personal Values

Provides enjoyment Develops imagination Reinforces the narrative form Develops insight into human behavior Gives vicarious experiences Shows the universality of experience

Educational Values

Language development Reading skills ( story sense, fluency) Writing Literary heritage

Evaluating Children’s Literature

Areas to Examine Plot (plan of action: credible; original; linear) Setting (specific/universal; authentic; sets mood) Theme (reveals purpose, meaning) Characterization (growth gradual & convincing) Style (action & conversation; reflects mood) Point of View (usually 3rd person, omniscient or

limited) Format (size, shape, design, typography, quality of

paper, book jacket—all important!)

Criteria for Evaluating Children’s

Books Positive images? Accurate, well-written information? Meaningful story (range of cultural values

& lifestyles)? Attractive graphics? Shows people caring for and enjoying

each other, working together, respecting each other?

Awards (partial list)NEWBERY MEDAL• Awarded annually, candidate must be

citizen/resident of U.S.• Established in 1922; named for John Newbery,

18th centure British publisher & bookseller (first to introduce idea of publishing books expressly for children)

• Awarded to author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published the preceding year

Newbery Medal

CALDECOTT MEDAL• Same residency requirement as Newbery

Medal• Established in 1938; named for Randolp

Caldecott, 19th century British illustrator• Awarded to the most distinguished picture

book published the preceding year; text should be worthy of illustrations, but award mostly for artwork (type of artwork, medium, age appeal, subject matter variety)

Caldecott Medal

OTHER AWARDS• Newbery and Caldecott Honor Medals• Hans Christian Andersen Medal• Laura Ingalls Wilder Award• Coretta Scott King Author & Illustrator

Awards

Reading is Fun!