History of Children's Literature Part 2

Summary

This script explores the evolution of children's literature, highlighting the emergence of picture books in the 19th century with influential illustrators like Randolph Caldecott. It discusses the 20th century's groundbreaking works such as 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' and 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' and the rise of American illustrators like Wanda Gag. The narrative continues through the 20th century, touching on the impact of awards, the shift to consumer markets, and the inclusion of diverse narratives. The 2000s are marked by digital formats, meta-fiction, and the recognition of children's literature's importance through Library of Congress ambassadors.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The early 19th century saw the rise of the picture book, with illustrators like Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway becoming influential figures, leading to awards named in their honor.
• 🐰 Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' is recognized as the first modern picture storybook, blending text and illustrations to enhance storytelling.
• 🌟 The 20th century began with groundbreaking works like 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', marking a shift towards modern fantasy in children's literature.
• 📚 Publishers in the early 20th century hired ghostwriters to produce series like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, which were popular but of varying quality.
• 🏆 The mid-20th century introduced prestigious awards like the Caldecott and Newbery medals to honor outstanding contributions to children's literature.
• 📈 The 1960s financial boom led to an increase in school library funding, which in turn boosted the publication and sales of children's books.
• 🔍 The 1960s also saw a shift towards more realistic themes in children's literature, with books addressing previously taboo subjects like death and divorce.
• 📚 In the 1970s, the market for children's books shifted towards consumer purchases, leading to the publication of more interactive and attention-grabbing books.
• 🏛️ The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a resurgence of institutional purchases for schools and a rise in the involvement of large corporations in children's book publishing.
• 📱 The 2000s brought a focus on new literacies, with digital formats and online resources becoming more prevalent in children's literature.
• 🌐 The Harry Potter series had a significant impact on the children's book industry in the 2000s, expanding the audience to include adults and redefining the genre.

Q & A

What significant change occurred in children's literature during the early 19th century?

The early 19th century saw the rise of the picture book in children's literature, with improved printing techniques making color illustrations more common.

Who was Randolph Caldecott and why is he influential in children's literature?

Randolph Caldecott was a famous illustrator known for showing action in pictures. He is influential because he was one of the first to create dynamic illustrations that complemented the storytelling, and the Caldecott Medal, an illustration award in the United States, is named in his honor.

What is the significance of Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'?

Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' is significant as it is considered the first modern picture storybook, where the text and colored illustrations were designed to work together to tell a story for children.

How did the publishing landscape for children's books change in the 20th century?

In the 20th century, the domain of children's books was firmly established with groundbreaking events and the creation of enduring classics. Publishers began to honor outstanding books with awards, and the market expanded with the rise of series books and the influence of ghostwriters.

What was unique about Wanda Gag's 'Millions of Cats' in the context of American picture storybooks?

Wanda Gag's 'Millions of Cats' is credited as the first American picture storybook, marking a significant milestone in the development of children's literature in the United States.

Why were Edward Stoudemire's series books considered a publishing phenomenon?

Edward Stoudemire's series books were a publishing phenomenon because they were produced in large quantities for young readers, with Stoudemire outlining the plots and ghostwriters or junior editors handling the actual writing, making them accessible and affordable.

What impact did the financial boom of the 1960s have on children's publishing?

The financial boom of the 1960s led to an increase in government grants for public school libraries, resulting in more books being published and sold than ever before, and a rise in the number of awards given to outstanding children's books.

How did the shift from school to consumer market in the 1970s affect children's books?

The shift to a consumer market in the 1970s led to the publication of more books aimed at attracting individual buyers, such as parents. This resulted in the creation of books with more engaging and interactive elements, like pop-up books and books with records.

What were some of the taboos in literature that began to be addressed in children's books during the 1960s and 1970s?

In the 1960s and 1970s, children's books started to address previously taboo subjects such as death, divorce, alcoholism, and child abuse, reflecting a new realism and a more open discussion of difficult topics.

How did the involvement of larger corporations in the 1980s and 1990s change the children's book publishing industry?

The involvement of larger corporations in the 1980s and 1990s led to the consolidation of publishing houses and an increase in the scale of operations. This resulted in a bigger business with more institutional purchases for schools and a continued focus on the retail market.

What is the significance of the 'I can read' or beginning reader genre in children's literature?

The 'I can read' or beginning reader genre is significant because it introduces simpler vocabulary versions of stories to accommodate younger or less experienced readers, making literature more accessible to a wider audience of children.