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Thesis
Through various writers, novels and trends that were developed, it is clear that the 1900's was a time period where there was monumental change in Children's Literature. http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/102720000/102720379.jpg -
Part 1- The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz was written in 1900 by Frank L. Baum. The characters represented in the were supposed to personify the main character Dorthy’s thoughts and fears, they were portrayed in extreme ways in order to appeal to children and make it easier to understand. This children’s story was basically the first story that was not all about learning manners and rules, -
Part 2- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Baum discussed that modern education includes morality, therefore the modern child needs only entertainment in its wonder-tales. This story was soon made into a film which made it much more known. http://www.huntel.net/rsweetland/literature/history/1900_2000.html
http://www.bookride.com/2007/08/wonderful-wizard-of-oz-1900.html -
Period: to
Changes in Children's Literature
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Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter created The Tale of Peter Rabbit, one of the most famous children’s stories in 1901 and is still read today to young children. Beatrix set the standard for illustrations in children's books. She also believed that when writing for children one should have something to say and say it in simple direct language. http://www.huntel.net/rsweetland/literature/history/1900_2000.html
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=beatrix+potter&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=Yx8m1COuEL532M:& -
Part 1- Anne Of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery , one of the first Canadian writers to be noticed in 1904. Lucy wrote the story to somewhat follow her own childhood, like Anne, Lucy’s mother had died and her father had left, leaving her to live in the care of her grandparents. Anne of Green Gables is a classic in children’s literature because she was portrayed as rebellious and original which was not seen often in this time periods before hand. -
Part 2- Anne Of Green Gables
However, as the sequels were being published and Anne was getting older, she conforms to the rules and is not as engaging, but this story is still in print and very popular. http://www.huntel.net/rsweetland/literature/history/1900_2000.html
http://childliterature.net/childlit/realistic/anne.html -
The Newbery Award
The Newbery award was first founded in 1922. It was named for eighteenth century famous children’s book writer James Newbery. The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children. The story of Man Kind by Hendrick Williem Van Loon was the first winner of the award. http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal -
Part 1- A.A Milne
Alan Alexander Milne first started writing in 1905. His first story was ‘Lovers in London’ which like any beginner author, failed. In 1915 Alan volunteered himself for the war, by the time he was out in 1919 he had written four plays. After Alan’s son Christopher was born in 1920, he got the inspiration to write Winnie The Pooh, which is still one of the most famous and interesting books to young children. -
Part 2- A.A Milne
Alan died in 1956 and in 1961 his widowed wife sold the rights of Winnie The Pooh to Walt Disney which shows the animated stories. Today, Milne’s books still continue to be best sellers even after his death, and his classic Pooh stories are still be a children’s favourite. http://www.huntel.net/rsweetland/literature/history/1900_2000.html
http://www.winniethepooh.co.uk/author.html
http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=a.a+milne&hl=en&biw=1366&bih=634&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=1jH9undMD-xSKM:&imgrefurl=htt -
Winnie The Pooh
Winnie the Pooh was created in 1926 by A.A Milne. The story was inspired by Milne's son and his favourite teddy bear. It is about Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh and their friends and the many adventures they face. The adventures they face are ones without any serious problems, preserving the innocence of children through the unrealistic images of talking animals. Winnie the Pooh is apart of the Golden Age of children's literature and was later made into a series of movies. -
Doubleday Childrens book department
Doubleday started a children's book department in 1927. This showed the importance people felt for children's literature. It was the beginning of the growing industry of children's literature. -
Mary Poppins
The first of 6 Mary Poppins books was written in 1934 by P.L. Travers. They are based on an English magical Nanny and the encounters she faces with the children she cares for. Mary Poppins is consiered a classic later becoming a movie and musical. It can be considered both in the Golden Age and a introductary to the hurried child syndrome because of how Mary doesn't sugar coat things and teaching children how to deal with goodbyes. -
Caldecott Medal
After the creation of the Newbury Award in 1922 Frederic Melcher established a second award, the Caldecott Medal. Recognizing the best children's book of the year. Later becoming an international award. This showed the importance and growing need for children's literature. -
1925-1950 Censorship
Throughout the Golden Age of childrens literature, especially in the early 1900s children were considered innocent and that stage should be preserved. The literature they were exposed to reflected that with stories of talking animals and magical nannys. For example in 1940 when the childrens book about Ab Lincoln's biography came out his assasination was left out. It was seen as inappropriate to have children reading about such things. -
The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-1956)
C. S. Lewis wrote“The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe”in 1950 & a new book each year until 1956, making a series of 7 stories. The stories are high fantasy & considered a classic of Children’s Literature. Since this was the start of the 1950’s it was the beginning of magic in literature. In 1953 Lillian Smith said children’s literature was “the magic that eludes definition”. This description is clearly shown in Narnia. The books are a place where animals talk, magic is common & good battles evil -
The Chronicles of Narnia (part 2)
The series of adventures is played by the roles of children from the real world, who are magically transported to Narnia. This time also blends in with the Golden Age where children are seen as unique and innocent. This series of books was also made into a movie, which helped the children’s movie industry. Pearson Education. (2007). The Chronicles of Narnia. Retrieved 02 2011, 10, from Fact Monster: http://www.factmonster.com/spot/narnia1.html http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=chronicles+of+narnia -
Charlotte's Web
E.B White wrote this children's novel still according to the time period where children were seen as innocent & carefree, & adults were responsible & protective. The story is a bit of a transition from the Golden Age to how in the 1960s children were exposed to the real world, because the young girl in the story shows responsibility and emotion for the real world consequences. This original story also evolved into a movie later on, making it more popular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_ -
Tuck Everlasting
Written by Natalie Babbitt, this children's novel is fantasy with aspects of real life emotions and decisions. The book is about a 10-year-old girl, and explores the concept of immortality & the reasons why it might not be as desirable as it appears to be. Although it is a fantasy book, it begins the idea of "hurried child syndrome" because it is about a young girl who has to deal with mature concepts with her relationships. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/84981.Tuck_Everlasting -
Bridge To Terabithia
Katherine Paterson's novel was part of a big change where children start to learn the real world issues. The main character who is just a kid, has to learn strength and independence by experiencing the death of his best friend, This shows the idea of "hurried child syndrome" as the problems of the modern world are introduced, like death. Children at this time were viewed as little versions of adults who need to learn how to step into adult roles. Bette P. Goldstone (1986) -
Robert Munsch
Robert Munsch has written over 50 children's picture books since the beginning of his career in 1979. The majority of Munsch's books are based on real life events and people. His books bring light the true worries of children in this era while being very humorous. Many children find Munsch's books entertaining as they can relate to the troubles the characters face. -
Robert Munsch (Part 2)
While children are often exposed to books that would fall under the category of the "hurried child syndrome" Munsch's book also provide an escape from these heavy themes. Many of his books teach valuable lessons to children.
Notable Work: “Love You Forever” “The Paper Bag Princess”
Munsch, Robert. The Offical Webpage of Robert Munsch. 2012. http://robertmunsch.com/books. -
Harry Potter (Part 2)
As these children grow up they face larger forms of adversity and evil but they manage to overcome the challenges that come their way. This series is part of the golden age as the children live in a land of magic and wonder where good overcomes evil. Harry and his friends have many reasons to just “give up” on their journey to conquer evil yet their strong will always prevails. -
Harry Potter (1997-2007)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first novel in a series of seven. The Harry Potter series has shaped children’s literature for the past decade, as it is one of the largest phenomenon’s of the late 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Children have been extremely attached to this series as they have been growing up with the three main protagonists, Harry, Ron and Hermione. -
A Series of Unfortunate Events (1999-2006)
A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the adventures of three siblings: the Boudelaire orphans. During “the hurried child syndrome” parents began to realize that children were capable of understanding death and dying as a natural process. Although the orphans face many obstacles (such as death) throughout this series they manage to survive. In modern times as children are exposed to the cruelties the world holds, one way of releasing tension is reading about someone who is much worse off. -
Gossip Girl (Part 2)
The Gossip Girl series is a major part of the “hurried child syndrome” as it portrays teenagers as living lives that are meant for adults giving children an unrealistic view into their future. -
Gossip Girl (2002 - 2007)
Gossip Girl is a series of novels that was first released in 2002. These novels revolve heavily around topics such as drinking, drugs and sex. While the main themes in these novels are about the stages of growing up such as graduating high school, attending college/university and making a name for yourself in the world. While these novels focus on these mature themes many children from the ages of 10-12 (mainly girls) read these series.
