Children’s LiteratureIntroduction

Definition

It is tricky to define what constitutes children’s literature because not all books that children read were intended to be for children. Books about children might not necessarily be written for them. However, the content of children’s literature is limited by children’s experience and understanding. Its uniqueness lies in the audience that it addresses, and authors of children’s books are circumscribed by the experiences of childhood which are vast and complex. (Kiefer, 2010)

Values of Children’s Literature

1. Personal Values2. Educational Values

Personal Values

Personal Values• Enjoyment• Imagination• Vicarious Experience• Insight Into Human Behavior• Universality of Experience

Educational Values

Educational Values• Literature in the Home (oral language, vocabulary

development)• Literature in the School

Educational Values (cont.)

Literature in the School• reading aloud and learning to read• developing a sense of book language• developing fluency and understanding• literature and writing• literature across the curriculum

Genres of Children’s Literature

1. Picture Books2. Books to Begin On3. Traditional Literature4. Modern Fantasy5. Poetry6. Contemporary Realistic Fiction7. Historical Fiction8. Nonfiction9. Biography

What makes a good children’s book?

Evaluation Criteria based on the following elements:• Plot• Setting• Theme• Characterization• Style• Point of View

Book Awards

The American Library Association (ALA) is the organization that presents prestigious awards in children’s literature.Every year, ALA honors authors and illustrators through these awards to recognize distinguished pieces of literature.

John Newbery Medal

The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published in the previous year. The award was established in 1922 and was named after John Newbery, a British publisher and bookseller of the 18th century. He is also called the “Father of Children’s Literature”. Only 1 book is chosen to receive the medal yet runners-up are awarded as Newberry Honor Books.

Randolph J. Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of Randolph Caldecott, a 19th Century English illustrator and is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the previous year.

Coretta Scott King Book Awards

These awards commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace. These awards are given to African-American authors and illustrators for their outstanding books for children and young adults that reflect the African-American experience.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal

The Sibert Award honors the most distinguished informational (nonfiction) book published in English in the preceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature.

Pura Belpré Medal

• The Pura Belpré medal is an award presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best represents and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in a work of literature for children and youth.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award

• The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is given to the best book published in the previous year for both text and illustrations in beginning reader books.