DECE 4103 Topic 1

DEFINITION OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

• “Children’s literature is good quality trade books for children from
birth to adolescence, covering topics of relevance and interests to
children of those ages, through prose and poetry, fiction and
nonfiction.”

THE CONCEPT OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

Children's literature is literature produced specifically for children.
Children's literary writing should take the shape of enjoyable works for
them. Writing that includes stories and is accompanied by fascinating
drawings and beautiful photographs. The wording is simple to read and
understand, and the font size is appropriate for children. Furthermore,
children's literature should emphasize outcomes that are amusing and

can stimulate children's imagination.

TYPES OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

PICTURE BOOKS TRADITIONAL
LITERATURE

POETRY Types of REALISTIC FICTION
NON-FICTION Children’s HISTORICAL FICTION
Literature

FANTASY AND
SCIENCE FICTION

TYPES OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

1. Picture books – Books that provide a visual experience through the telling of story
using images.

Should contain a harmonious blend d text and illustrations, with the one enhancing the other, to create the
complete story. Classic examples rf, picture books include Eric Carle's’ The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Dr Seuss’s
The Cat in the Hat and Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

2. Traditional literature – This includes folktales, fairy tales, myths, legends, fables,
and any other types of stories passed down throughout the generations.

This is perhaps why the authors of most of these stories are unknown. Traditional literature explains and in still
values, beliefs, history and customs in children. lt usually has simple, direct
plots, happy endings, stereotyped characters and often involves magic Stories such as Cinderella, Hansel and
Gretel and Ali Baba. All fit into this genre.

TYPES OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

3. Realistic fiction – Books set in modern times and based on modern situations.
These stories often allow children to experience different cultures or lifestyles to
their own. Deals with real-life situations, takes place in real-world locations and features realistic, human

characters. It portrays life in ways that are readily recognisable to children and is richly diverse in the themes
that it generates.

4. Historical fiction – Books set in a past time period that convey information about
that period or a specific historical event. This is history through the viewpoint of a
child. Each book takes place in a time in history — whether it’s World War II or ancient Egypt or the American

Civil War or colonialism in India. As children are reading the story, they’ll learn about that historical period
through the eyes of the main characters in the book.

TYPES OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

5. Fantasy and Science Fiction – This genre involves the use of imagination, worlds
of magic and myth or stories set on alien planets. creates a magical world for children, building

their imagination and feeding their creative minds. Folk tales of dragons and fairies and witches have been told
to children for many generations. Alice in the wonderland are timeless classics that remain universally
appealing to children. J K Rowling's Harry Potter books are an example of modern-day literature in this genre.
The fantasy world that these writers create is almost natural and believable for young children.

6. Non-fiction – Informational books that explain facts about a subject or concept
in the real world.

7. Poetry – Books written at different reading levels that introduce readers to
condensed language, and imagery, as well as creative expression and imaginative
perceptions. May not appear to be an obvious choice for children. But young children enjoy nursery

rhymes and other simple poetry or verse that contains humour, rhyme, rhythm and interesting sounds. The most
important thing about choosing poetry - and indeed any genre of literature - is that the children should find it
enjoyable

FUNCTION AND ROLE OF CHILDREN’S
LITERATURE

1. Medium of Entertainment 8. Foster a passion for reading
2. Medium of Teaching 9. Foster a passion of writing
3. Improve cognitive thinking 10. Increase language and communication
4. Education Medium skills
5. Emotional Education 11. Shape child's personality
6. New knowledge 12. Promote morals and values
7. Develop talent through reading 13. social development
14. Creativity and aesthetics growth

STORYBOOKS EVERY CHILD SHOULD
READ





















Create your own list of books (5 books) that you want your children to read. Together
with the synopsis, book details and moral values. Refer to the previous slides for
sample.
• Upload your task in Learning Management System (LMS) under Topic 1
• Student may be asked for short presentation in class (if necessary)

CLASS ACTIVITY