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The Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum publishes the book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” that experienced instant success. Many books about Oz followed but the original story remains famous even today. As all novels were set within mystical realities, it followed the common trend of having a mysterious twist in every book. Both the story and the inspired movie remain classics in today’s world. -
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Children's Literature in the 1900's
The twentieth century was an era of Children's Literature that was constantly and quickly evolving. Stories were set in magical worlds, focus on learning through play was prominent and themes of fantastic worlds, magical creatures and the teaching of moral lessons dominated the writing style. -
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Fantasy Worlds
Throughout the 1900’s, a major trend in children’s stories, picture books and novels was setting them in magical and interesting fantasy worlds. From Peter’s ‘Never Never Land’ to Harry’s ‘Hogwarts Castle’ and Dorothy and Toto’s ‘Oz’ almost every piece of literature had it’s own unique setting. This trend set stories apart from one another and made every read a new adventure for children and the adult’s reading the stories to them alike.
http://www.slideshare.net/timikona/timeline-of-major-trend -
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
“The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter is published. The stories and characters are still incredibly popular. In it, the common theme of 'morals' is present as Peter learns that being disobedient and mischevious can potentionally cost him his life. The book inspired toys and movies and a legacy left by Beatrix Potter of stories, characters, arts and an unspoiled landscape of the world. -
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Lucy Maud Montgomery publishes her first book in the Anne Shirley series titled “Anne of Green Gables.” The book became hugely popular and both Lucy and the book became household names. -
Peter and Wendy
In 1911, a 1904 play by J.M. Barrie was turned into a novel, following the original story of a boy named Peter Pan adventuring in the fantasy world, Neverland. His travels were taken along side Wendy Darling, her brothers, Tinker Bell and the lost boys, where they met with mermaids, pirates and fairies. With illustrations by F. D. Bedford, it quickly became one of the most recognized children novels of its time. -
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Talking Animals
Published throughout the late 1800’s and throughout the 20th century, Winnie the Pooh is one of the most distinguishable children's characters. He and his friends, along with other characters such as Aslan, the lion from ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, and the cat from Dr. Seuss’s ‘Cat in the Hat’ clearly define this trend. It has continued on throughout children’s literature and can be seen in modern stories such as 'I Am Going!' by Mo Willems. -
Winnie the Pooh
AA Milne first mentions Winnie the Pooh in his book “When We Were Very Young.” The book became very popular and in 1926 Milne devoted an entire book to Winnie the Pooh’s adventures. Four books were written in total by 1928. A.A. Milne filled his stories with fun, creative lessons taught by the talking animals and their friend, Christopher Robin in the Hundred Acre Wood. -
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Morals
Children’s literature is just as educational as it is playful and fun. Since the origin of the genre stories have been aimed at teaching children about many aspects of life. One such is morals and is seen scattered throughout stories from the 1900’s. In ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ by Beatrix Potter, Peter learns that being disobedient and mischievous can almost cost him his life! However, the most obvious stories that display moral education are those written by Dr. Seuss. -
Charlotte's Web
Charlotte’s Web was introduced in 1952 by award winning author, E.B. White. Charlotte, the spider living amongst the rest of the animals in the farm, was best friend to the young farm girl, Ferns, pet pig Wilbur. Charlotte was portrayed with many human characteristics, as she was the wise friend to all the animals through the novel. Over fifty years later, Charlotte’s Web is still a commonly read book for the children of today. -
Dr Seuss
Dr. Seuss published many books, each with its own distinct moral lesson. The stories would go on to become classics throughout the world. He is one of the most famous and beloved children’s authors in the world today. -
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Illustrations
The rise of higher quality picture books was a major trend throughout the 20th century. What were once lightly illustrated tales of fantasy were now conveyed through abundant, bright, colorful and cheery. What were once the black and white illustrations seen in stories such as ‘Peter Pan’ or ‘The Wizard of Oz’ have been replaced by beautifully drawn, illustrated and designed full colour images. This trend has paralleled the evolution of art, graphics and design during this century. -
Robert Munsch
Robert Munsch began publishing the stories he told out loud and became a bestseller with “Love You Forever.” He continues to influence children everywhere with his imagination, bright illustrations and story-telling skills. -
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Modernization
Children’s literature has become very modernized since the beginning of the 1900’s. Stories are no longer so much about fun and playful morals but more focused on the harsh realities and struggles of life. Realism has replaced fantasy, magic has faded and what was once bright and cheery has now taken a more dark and serious mood. -
Harry Potter
British author J.K. Rowling introduced the world of Harry Potter in 1997. Intended for children between the ages of nine to twelve, the seven novels became a sensation all around the world for people of all ages, with over 400 million fantastical novels sold. The books, set within the wizarding world of Hogwarts, followed the adventures of Harry and his two best friends Ron and Hermione as they taught children the values of ambition, proper morals, teamwork and friendship.
