Children’s Literature

1. Children’s Literature

2. Quality Children’s Literature • About experiences of childhood (birthday parties, losing a tooth, first day of school, etc.)

3. Quality Children’s Literature • About interests to children

4. Quality Children’s Literature • If the story shows children as victims of human or natural disasters, it should emphasize hope for the future, rather than despair for the moment

5. Quality Children’s Literature • In picture books, the illustrations and the text are both responsible for telling the story

6. Caldecott Medal • Awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book • 2010 winner – The Lion & the Mouse (illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney)

7. Newbery Medal • Awarded annually to the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature • 2010 winner – When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

8. Literature for the Developing Child Ages 0-2 • Brightly colored pictures • Concern everyday routines/familiar objects • Often made of heavy, nontoxic cardboard (“board books”) • Interactive books that require child’s participation in or manipulation of books

9. Ages 0-2

10. Literature for the Developing Child Ages 2-4 • Counting, ABC books • Nursery rhymes • Word books • Picture storybooks

11. Ages 2-4

12. Literature for the Developing Child Ages 4-7 • Picture storybooks are at the heart of the literature experience during these years • Children often choose a favorite and “read” it aloud • Children acquire the fundamentals of reading (letter and sound relationships, etc.) • Informational books become more popular

13. Ages 4-7

14. Literature for the Developing Child Ages 7-9 • Chapter books • Books often center on adventures of young characters within their neighborhoods • May enjoy reading about lives of other children because they can begin to understand others’ perspectives

15. Ages 7-9