Do you have a vision for the future of children’s literature?  Who will be the drivers of change?

In order to look forward, we must look back. The history of children’s literature lies in spiritually improving texts, manners, poetry, saints and legends (Burke, 2008). Fairytales were written as commentary on society behind the guise of fiction – also incorporating folklore (Burke, 2008).

Pictures were used to engage children’s interests. Children’s literature then moved from instructional to ‘kids first’ where children tackled issues with an element of fantasy (The Secret Garden, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, JK Rowling). (Broomhall, 2017).

The vision for the future of children’s literature I can decipher is a move towards ‘own voices’ texts representing a more diverse range of voices and perspectives from an authentic standpoint.

Move towards greater diversity in representation will include cultural and language backgrounds, family structures, abilities and gender representation. I imagine that we might have more texts which include dual languages.

Independent book publishers,  lower costs of printing and ability to print smaller numbers will increase the opportunities for minority groups to represent themselves.

Art and conceptual books were created with opportunities to engage, such as Herve Tullet’s Press Here and Mix it Up! where the audience feels as though they are influencing the book with their actions.

Children’s literature will continue the trajectory with highly visual and conceptual books, with graphic novels growing increasingly popular and complex in theme and language. I believe that we will see younger artists and writers come produce books which are highly relatable and graphic in nature.

“The ultimate purpose of literature is not to teach something, but to illuminate what it means to be human and to make accessible the fundamental experiences of life-love, hope, loneliness, despair, fear, belonging.

Children read literature to experience life, and their experiences within story worlds challenge them to think in new ways about their lives and world (Short, Lynch-Brown, & Tomlinson, 2017)” (Short, 2018).

 

References

Broomhall, S., McEwan, J., & Tarbin, S. (2017, March 30). Once upon a time: A brief history of children’s literature. The Conversation.

Burke, C. (2008). Theories in childhood. In Encyclopedia of children and childhood in history and society.

Short, K. (2018). What’s trending in children’s literature and why it matters. Language Arts, 95(5), 287-298.

Short, K. G., Lynch-Brown, C., & Tomlinson, C. (2017). Essentials of children’s literature (9th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.