Important Milestones in the History of Children’s Literature
Key milestones in the history of children’s literature:
• The Classical World
• The Renaissance
• The Seventeenth Century
• The Victorians: The Golden Age
• Children’s Literature from around the world
Children’s literature has its roots in the age-old tradition of story-telling. “For thousands of years children have enjoyed the pleasures of language and story – and these pleasures are the essence of children’s literature” (Russell, 2009, pg. 3). The annals of history bear witness to the growth of children’s literature. In fact, it would be correct to say that events in history itself have impacted and shaped literature for children.
The Classical World This important milestone encompassed the period between “500 BCE and 400 CE” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4), when the Greek and Roman civilizations flourished. It has been referred to as “the birthplace of Western culture” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4). Works of Homer, numerous tales of gods, goddesses and demons and Aesop’s fables are just a few of the stories that enthrall the minds of children and inspire authors even today. References to these stories abound our lives. “We speak of Achilles’ heels, Herculean tasks, the Midas touch” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4) to name a few. These stories and fables are an indisputable part of children’s literature and are considered “indispensable to any well-rounded education” (Russell, 2009, pg.4). …show more content…
Today borders between countries have faded and it is important that our children be global citizens. “The children’s book business has become an international phenomenon” (Russell, 2009, pg.25). Books from all over the world populate bookshelves and enjoy global readership. Collodi’s ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ or even ‘Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,’ have enjoyed an equal fan following that is worldwide.
It would be prudent to say that literature for children has mimicked the societal changes. Growing from an oral rendition of heroic tales and myths, it has matured into books specifically targeted at children. When war and desecration plagued the world, the need of the hour was escapism. This was reflected in a new genre of fantasy books. Today, children’s literature has become an irreplaceable part of growing up, “giving [children] the tools they will need to build a better world than their parents have known” (Russell, 2009, pg.
Key milestones in the history of children’s literature:
• The Classical World
• The Renaissance
• The Seventeenth Century
• The Victorians: The Golden Age
• Children’s Literature from around the world
Children’s literature has its roots in the age-old tradition of story-telling. “For thousands of years children have enjoyed the pleasures of language and story – and these pleasures are the essence of children’s literature” (Russell, 2009, pg. 3). The annals of history bear witness to the growth of children’s literature. In fact, it would be correct to say that events in history itself have impacted and shaped literature for children.
The Classical World This important milestone encompassed the period between “500 BCE and 400 CE” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4), when the Greek and Roman civilizations flourished. It has been referred to as “the birthplace of Western culture” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4). Works of Homer, numerous tales of gods, goddesses and demons and Aesop’s fables are just a few of the stories that enthrall the minds of children and inspire authors even today. References to these stories abound our lives. “We speak of Achilles’ heels, Herculean tasks, the Midas touch” (Russell, 2009, pg. 4) to name a few. These stories and fables are an indisputable part of children’s literature and are considered “indispensable to any well-rounded education” (Russell, 2009, pg.4). …show more content…
Today borders between countries have faded and it is important that our children be global citizens. “The children’s book business has become an international phenomenon” (Russell, 2009, pg.25). Books from all over the world populate bookshelves and enjoy global readership. Collodi’s ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ or even ‘Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,’ have enjoyed an equal fan following that is worldwide.
It would be prudent to say that literature for children has mimicked the societal changes. Growing from an oral rendition of heroic tales and myths, it has matured into books specifically targeted at children. When war and desecration plagued the world, the need of the hour was escapism. This was reflected in a new genre of fantasy books. Today, children’s literature has become an irreplaceable part of growing up, “giving [children] the tools they will need to build a better world than their parents have known” (Russell, 2009, pg.