Children's Literature

Children's literature is good-quality trade books for from birth to early adolescence, covering topics of relevance and interest to children through prose and poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

Textbook, by design and content, is for the purpose of .

Trade book, by design and content, is primarily for the purposes of and information.

Quality in writing and illustration is originality and importance of ideas, imaginative use of and image, and beauty of literary and artistic that enable a work to remain fresh, interesting, and meaningful for many years.

Literature across the curriculum is using literature as materials in social studies and history, science, health, and mathematics.

Reading suggests a feeling one has toward particular reading material.
Reading implies making a choice from two or more options.
Reading choice investigates the materials that children select and read from a specific collection.

Plot is the of the story and the sequence they are told. It is what happens in the story. There is usually a within the plot and there are different situations. There is person-against-self, person-against-nature, and person-against-person. Sometimes there is a person-against-society. There are times when the character faces conflicts. There are three types of plots: chronological, progressive, and episodic. Authors can use flashbacks and foreshadowing to develop the plot.

Characters are the of the story. Characterization refers to the way a author the character to help the reader know who it is. Character development refers to the the character undergoes during the course of events. Protagonist is the complex individual with both good and bad traits. Round characters are well-rounded and contain variety of traits. Minor/secondary characters are described partially or less. Flat character are one-sided or undeveloped. Antagonist or character foil is the opposition of the protagonist.

Setting is the time and place a story . Integral setting is the setting thats fully described in both time and place. Backdrop setting is used to set the stage and mood and is often or general.

Theme is the underlying meaning or significance. It's what the reader will take away from the book. Usually expressed by a sentence rather than a single word. It is a concept.

Style is the way an author a story. It can be the writing itself or the way the author organizes the book.

books are books in which both words and illustrations are essential to the story's meaning.
books are books with occasional illustrations but aren't essential to the story.

Line are the continuous strokes. Can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Diagonal suggests . Implied line is not an actual line but an arrangement that creates the illusion of a line. Shape is produced by lines and areas of color. They can be rigid or flexible and produce moods or carry messages.

Color is the hue and intensity. Colors imply and shifts of mood. Light is the amount of light and . Texture is the surface characteristics of pictured objects. It can create a greater sense of reality. Composition is the of all the visual elements and the way they relate to one another. Total effect should complement the story, not overwhelm it.

Space refers to the from one point to another. Perspective is an aspect of space used to particular aspect of images.

books are simply designed, brightly illustrated, durable picture books that are intended for ages 0-2. Has rounded corners, strong material, nontoxic, washable pages, no loose attachments.

books are picture books that invite a child's verbal or physical participation as the book is read. These book ask direct questions, recitation, clapping, repeated movement, an extension on the world of play.

books (engineered books) are books that use paper to produce pop-ups, see-through, moveable, changeable, foldouts, 3D.

books are carefully sequenced illustrations to present the story. No text or text is limited and the image carries the narrative. Target young or newly learning readers.

books present the ABC letter by letter to acquaint with names, shapes, and sounds. Most books have a theme to them to give books cohesion. Intended for emergent readers.

books present numbers to acquaint readers with numerals and their shapes. Most books have a theme to them to give books cohesion.

books is a picture book that explores or explains an idea or concept, an object, or an activity rather than telling a story. Most have no plot but use repeated elements to tie the book together. Alphabets and counting books are also considered concept books.

storybooks is a book in which a story is told through both the words and pictures. Text and illustration occur frequently and complement the story.

books (pattern) have repeated language patterns, story patterns, or familiar sequences that encourage children to chime in on repeating phrases.

books help the beginning reader read independently with success. These books have limited text, large print, double spacing, short sentences, occur in a series.

books are books for children who can read but aren't fluent yet. Between picture and full-length novels. Uncomplicated writing style, vocab, illustrations on every third page, slightly enlarged print.

books for older readers are generally more sophisticated, abstract, or complex in themes, stories, illustrations, suitable for 10+.

feature text in speech bubbles or as captions similar to comic books. Stories told through images not the nature of the content. Appeal to young people and reluctant readers because they are visual, emphasize dialogue, occur in series, close ties to pop culture.

books reflect fragmented and multimodal nature of modern society, with changes in attitudes, styles, knowledge. Meant for older readers because of sophistication, sarcasm, and reference to other texts. Has multiple storylines, perspectives, irony, contradiction.

Multicultural Literature is literature that introduces and/or highlights the experiences of people from cultures, religions, backgrounds, physical or mental and language groups.

o depicts the culture in the story
o Dispels
o Teaches and respect
o Shows common human
o Introduces children to other children around the

– first author to show a positive image of African-Americans in children’s book

Culturally focuses on developing teaching that introduces new cultures, includes them, and are consistent with the diverse group of students. It makes students have the opportunity to read books where they can relate to and also books that introduces them to different cultures they can learn about.

of Multicultural Literature
• African American
• Asian/pacific American
• Latino
• Native American
• Religion and cultures
• bilingual
Being exposed to all these categories of literature makes them aware of other cultures and avoid bias

Culturally allows children to build on their own cultural identities by reading books on different points of view. Challenges students to go beyond stereotypes, teaches about different cultures, encourages them to be accepting of other cultures.

Culturally raises up issues of inequality, inequity, power struggles, discrimination that marginalizes groups. Students develop a cultural consciousness of their everyday morals, documents history and contemporary stories so that these groups have a way to present their perspectives, teaches children to be empathetic to other groups.

International literature in the US refers to books that are set in countries outside of the US.
- language books - books originally in English in another country and then published/distributed in US
- - books in another language translated and published in US
- Language books - books written in another language and published/distributed in that same language in US

Traditional literature is the body of ancient stories and poems that grew out of the traditions of storytelling before being written down. They have no author, attributed to people, cultures, or groups. These are passed down from ancient times by oral tradition.

Retold tales are a version of a tale written in a style that will appeal to a audience but otherwise remains true to the ancient tale.

Variant are stories that share of plot or character with stories in the same "story family" but differs mainly by culture. Modern variants where an author uses these elements to create an original story in a new time and place are considered fantasy.

Myths are stories that and explain the of the world and the phenomena of nature. Referred to as creation stories. Character smainly gods/goddesses, setting is high about earth (home of gods). These myths are complex and symbolize a lot and are suitable for older readers.

Epics are long stories of human and heroism recounted in many episodes. Grounded in mythology. Setting is earthly but not realistic. Suitable for adolescents.

Legends are stories based on real or supposedly real individuals and their marvelous .

Fables are simple stories that incorporates characters - typically animals - whose actions teach a moral or universal truth. Moral is often stated in the end. Appeal to adults and children.

Religious stories are based on writings or taken intact from religious manuscripts. Parables are the recountating of milestones in the development of religion and its leadership, or present a piece of it in narrative form.

Folktales are stories that grew out of the lives and of the people or folk. stories were folktales heard by the nobility while were folktales for the average people.

tale uses repetition, accumulation, and rhythm to make an entertaining story out of the barest of plots. Appeal to young children.

tale revolves around a character's incredibly stupid and funny mistakes. These tales are also known as noodleheads, sillies, drools, and numbskulls.

tales feature talking animals and overstated action with occasional human characteristics. Appeal to young children.

tales contain elements of magic or enchantment in characters, plots, or settings. Use of magic objects or words to weave enchantments.

tales explain phenomena of nature. French word for why, these tales can be understood as explanations for the many "why" questions asked by early humans.

tales are highly exaggerated accounts of exploits of persons, both real and imagined. Over time, as each teller embroidered on the hero's abilities or deeds, the tales became outlandishly exaggerated.

tales are those whose characters, plot, setting could conceivably have occurred. No magic in these tales, and exaggeration is limited.

Cinderella means one whose attributes are , that unexpectedly achieves recognition/success after a period of obscurity and neglect.

Modern fantasy refers to the body of literature in which the events, the settings, or the characters are outside the realm of possibility. happen in the real world. They are written by authors.

Cycle (series) format is in which one book is linked to another through characters and/or settings across three or four volumes.

Theme is for fantasy. It is the key ideas that hold a story together and allow readers to construct insights into their lives and world.

Fiction literature – elements that the natural physical laws of our known world
• Birth child of folk literature
• Known authors
• Must have strong believable characters, strong plot, should examine issues of the human condition – good vs. evil, morals, lessons

History of Modern Fantasy
• Alice of Wonderland – 1875 – Lewis Carroll
• The Wizard of Oz – 1900 – Frank Baum – 1st modern fantasy classic, high fantasy (has all 6 basic motifs)

The six basic motifs are:
1. – most basic element
2. Other – Secondary World
a. Entire Setting is in an imaginary place
b. Characters leave our world and enter the Secondary World (SW) through a portal
c. SW invades our world
3. vs. Evil
4.
5. Special Types – Fairies, pixies, giants, witches, ogres, vampires, wizards, dwarves
6. Fantastic – magic cloaks, swords, staffs, mirrors

folktales (literary) are tales told in a form similar to that of a traditional tale with little character description, strong conflict, fast-moving plot with a sudden resolution, vague setting, and sometimes magical elements.

folktales are traditional folktales with a contemporary twist or a tale told from a new perspective.

fantasies are stories in which animals behave as human beings in that they experience emotions, talk, and have the ability to reason.

Toys and Objects are stories in which admired objects or beloved toys are brought to life and believed in by a child or adult character.

Characters and Strange Situations are stories that go beyond reality to the ridiculous or exaggerated through unusual characters or strange situations.

Worlds of People are worlds inhabited by miniature people who have developed a culture of their own in this world or who live in another world.

Events and Mystery Fantasy are fantasies that evoke the supernatural or write mysteries for children in which the solution is partially supernatural.

Fantasy (includes time-warp fantasies) are stories in which a present-day protagonist goes back in time to a different era.

stories are adventure stories with a search motif. Quest can be pursuit of love, items, purpose, etc. Quest stories that are serious in tone are called high fantasy. Hero cycle is where the hero starts out in an ordinary world and receives a call to enter a strange one to face trials.

fiction is a form of imaginative literature that provides a picture of something that could happen based on real scientific facts and principles. Futuristic fiction portrays the world in which young people might one day inhabit.

Science is popularized type of science fiction in which a scientific explanation though not nearly plausible is offered for imaginative leaps into the unknown.

-Children were seen as ; worked and dressed as
-No books for them until the century
- Books were strictly to teach and educational (religious)
- Reflected society ideas of children
- Any stories were usually
- – – 1st literature written for children, lasted for more than 2 centuries
- – intro of , more for pleasure, not instruction
- – insisted on pleasant enjoyable children’s books
- – influenced by John Locke and chapbooks
-Where we get the award for good literature
- – 1st illustrator to show action in children’s literature
-The diverting history of john Gilpin, 1878

Characters in Modern Literature
• , not stereotypical
• Adopted by the reader
• Drive the momentum of the
• Believable/comfortable to the readers
• Reader becomes
o Become like a friend
• Affinity is not absolutely necessary
o Respect/admiration can be shown
• Helps students deal with personal problems
• Fundamental lessons on human

Folklore
• Mother of literature
• Generation to generation
• Rooted in practices
• cultures, customs, and traditions
• Universal characteristics and themes
• No known
• Explains how something in nature came to be

fiction refers to stories that could happen to people or animals. They contain fictitious characters where their actions and events could happen in real life.

Contemporary realism is stories that take place in the time and represents attitudes of the present cultures.

These are the types of children's books that are most . However, these books help children gain valuable perspectives on life issues and provides hope. The characters normally draw children to the book and helps them .

Poetry is the concentrated of ideas and feelings through precise and imaginative words carefully selected for their sonorous and rhythmical effects. Poetry originally was , recited by minstrels. The musicality of poetry makes it suitable to be read aloud. Poetry enriches children's lives by giving new and fresh views on life's experiences and inviting emotional responses.

Verse is a language form in which simple thoughts or stories are told in with a distinct beat or meter. JIngle is the catchy of sounds heard so often in commercials. Most important feature of these two is their strong rhyme and rhythm with light or silly content.

Novels in verse are novel-length narratives told through poetry rather than prose using different kinds of verse forms. Focus less on structure or individuality and work to create character , setting, story, and a strong voice.

Mother goose and nursery rhymes are heavily illustrated collections of verse. A familiar is all a child needs to begin reciting one of these well-loved verses.

Nursery songs are heavily illustrated collections of traditional and modern verses with notation. emphasizes the innate musicality of these verses and turns some verses into games, lullabies, or finger plays.

Anthology of poetry is a of poetry. It is organized by subject for easy of poems, contains indexes of poeters and titles, or first lines of each poem. Works by contemporary or traditional poets appear in these and they appeal to a wide age range.

Specialized poetry books are books where the poems are by poet, on topic, or of poetic form.

Single illustrated poems can be presented in a book format. They make poetry more appealing and accessible for children, but sometimes the images may interfere with a child forming their own mental image of the poem.

Elements of a poem: Meaning & Rhythm

Meaning is the underlying idea, feeling, or conveyed through the poem.

Rhythm is the or regular cadence of the poem. Poetry relies on to help communicate meaning.

Elements of a poem: Sound Patterns

Sound patterns are made by sounds and combinations of sounds in the words. Words, phrases, or lines are sometimes repeated in their entirety.

Rhyme occurs when the ends of words have the sounds.

Assonance is a pattern where the vowel sound is heard repeatedly within a line or a few lines of poetry.

Alliteration is a pattern in which consonant sounds are heard frequently within a few lines of poetry.

Consonance is similar to alliteration but usually refers to a juxtaposition of similar final consonant sounds.

Onomatopoeia is the device in which the sound of a word its real world sound.

Elements of a poem: Figurative Language

Figurative language takes different forms and involves or contrasting one object, idea, or feeling with another one.

Simile is a comparison, typically using like or as to point out the similarities.

Metaphor is comparison without a signal word to evoke similarities.

Personification is the attribution of human qualities to animals or to objects for the purpose of drawing a comparison between the animal or object and human beings.

Hyperbole is an to highlight reality or to point out ridiculousness.

Elements of a poem: Sensory imagery

Sensory imagery is the way in which a poet plays with one or more of the five in the descriptive and narrative language.

Sight may be awakened through depiction of beauty. Hearing through sounds of a city street. Smell and taste through description of a fish left too long in the sun. Touch through describing the gritty discomfort of a sandy swimsuit.

Poetry types and forms:

Two main poetry types:
Lyric poetry captures a moment, a feeling, or a scene and is in nature.
Narrative poetry a story or includes a sequence of events.

Poetic form is the way a poem is or put together. Couplets, tercets, quatrains, and cinquains refer to the number of lines of poetry in a stanza. A stanza is a set of lines of poetry grouped .

Poetic forms:

Limerick si a one-stanza, five line verse form, in which lines 1, 2, 5 rhyme and are of the same length. Lines 3 and 4 are of the the same length and rhyme but shorter than the other lines.

Ballad is a fairly long poem of popular origin, usually adapted to singing.

Haiku is a lyric unrhymed poem of Japanese origin with 17 syllables arranged in 3 lines with a syllable count of , , . Highly evocative poetry that frequently espouses harmony with and appreciation of nature.

Sijo is a traditional Korean poetry form with three lines, each with 14-16 syllables. The first line the topic, the second the topic, and the third contains some kind of . Can focus on many topics, unlike haiku.

Free verse is poetry with little or light rhythm.

Concrete poetry is written and printed in a that signifies the subject of the poem. Must be as well as heard. Usually do not have rhyme or definite rhythm, mostly rely on words, meanings, shapes, and the arrangement of the words to evoke images.

Choral poetry consists of interpreting the poem through your voice by saying a poem together as a group activity.

3 steps to choral poetry:
1. - select short poems until students develop skill in reciting and performing poems.
2. - options for reading a poem chorally include unison, 2-3 part, solo voices, cumulative build-up, and simultaneous voices.
3. - incorporating action, gestures, body movements, and fingerplays can produce interesting and enjoyable presentations.

Dos/Donts of Learning to Read Poetry;

Do:
-Read poetry everyday
- reading a poem before reading it aloud
-Choose poetry students will like
-Have a
-Encourage to read/write
-Facilitate choral readings
-Invite responses through art, music, movement
-Feature a notable poet
-Begin/end each day with a poem

Don'ts:
- poetry choices
-Read poems in a style
-Choose poems from one
-Have a poetry marathon
-Force students to memorize/recite
-Make poem the focus
-Emphasize the writing of formula poems
-Read poems only during a specific unit

The Real Mother Goose:

Nursery rhyme – natural of literature for children
o Acquire language through and learning
o form of literature for children when young
o Draws on perceptions, that’s how they take in info about the world

Milestones in Poetry:
• Thumb’s Pretty Song Book – 1744 – “Hickory Dickory Dock”
• Edward Lear – A Book of – 1846 – Father of poetry
• Eugene Field – Poems of – 1896 – Poems about
• Rachel Field – Taxis and Toadstools – 1926 – Poems about /Country
• Awards – NCTE – National Council of of English – given to US poets whose poetry has contributed to children’s lives. (Children ages 3-13)
• really changed children literature – war, women went into workforce, family got separated

Why Poetry?
• for surging emotions
• Fosters trust and in the classroom community
• Strengthens and listening skills
• Strengthens precise skills
• language

Children Enjoy…
• Rhyming
• Rhythm
• length
• Animals
• poems
• Familiar experiences
• grade – strange and fantastic events, other children
• children – humor, familiar experiences, unusual people, crisis and social problems

Why do many children dislike poetry?
• , can’t tell a story
• Too many and regulations
• Have to find the words

Children’s Poetry Preferences
• over lyric - Contains elements of function
• over classics - Modern topics, langauges
• over haiku
• Figurative language is and interfere with understanding

Narrative Poems
• , setting, problem, plot, solution, theme
• Sound devices, , and poetic verses

10 Ways to Use Poetry with Children
• Build Prior
• Establish a , set a scene
• Explore language/
• Ignite
• Read for
• Use light rhythmic poems
• Share poems
• to sophisticated

Evaluation and Selection of Poetry
• Are the ideas and feelings expressed in authentic, fresh, and ways?
• Do the ideas encourage readers to perceive ordinary things in ways?
• Is the poem appropriate to the experience of children, instead of to them?
• Does the poem present the world through a child’s ?

What’s so special about historical fiction?

Children and adults are more likely to process and historical events when it comes in the form of a good story.

Benefits:
o See the points of view of people in time periods
o Learn about historical cultures and traditions
o Learn about the events that happened in the
o Historical insight
o Broader global knowledge
o Sense of sentiment for the era as opposed to a
o Remember the history more

Criteria for Evaluating:
o Is the setting described and detailed for the time period?
o Do the act in a way that fits the times?
o Universal theme
o Plot is detailed description
o Multiple
o Factual – can discredit the story

Historical Fiction:
• Set in the
• Fictional
• Plot may be fictional – set in a particular period or place
• Famous protagonist from an historical event
• Quality of writing, strong setting, character, plot
• Truth must not be
• Events of history will go unlearned if we soften the factual account

Earliest recognized work of Historical Fiction:
The of Krakow, by Eric P. Kelly, won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American Children’s Literature in 1929.

The O’Dell Award:
• Annual American Children’s Book Award for historical fiction.
• Established in 1982 by Scott O’Dell – author of Island of the Blue
• Increase young readers’ in history
• Eligibility: Written in , published by an American publisher, author must be a US citizen