ELE15 MODULE

1
OVERVIEW OF
CHILDREN`S
LITERATURE

Prepared by:

CHRISTAN DAVE C. ALMARINEZ

INSTRUCTOR

OVERVIE 2021
W
This MODULE is all about the overview of children`s literature. The history, definition, and genres of children`s
literature is given emphases in the discussion. The concepts will help students to have an understanding of forms
and themes of literature that serve as entertainment and good morals for young minds.

OBJECTIV
ES
1. Discuss the children`s literature.

2. Discuss the different genres of children`s literature.

3. Describe the nature and importance of children`s literature in the child`s development.

DISCUSSI
ON
WHAT IS LITERATURE?

Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from
Latin litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken or sung texts. More
restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit.

Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is  poetry or prose. It
can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and works are often
categorized according to historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations (genre).

Taken to mean only written works, literature was first produced by some of the world’s earliest civilizations—
those of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria—as early as the 4th millennium BC; taken to include spoken or sung texts, it
originated even earlier, and some of the first written works may have been based on a pre-existing oral tradition. As
urban cultures and societies developed, there was a proliferation in the forms of literature. Developments in print
technology allowed for literature to be distributed and experienced on an unprecedented scale, which has
culminated in the twenty-first century in electronic literature.

MAIN GENRES OF LITERATURE

Fiction - One of the most popular genres of literature, fiction, features imaginary characters and events. This genre
is often broken up into five subgenres: fantasy, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, mystery, and science fiction.
Nonetheless, there are more than just five types of fiction, ranging from romance to graphic novels.

Non-fiction - Unlike fiction, nonfiction tells the story of real people and events. Examples include biographies,
autobiographies, or memoirs.

Drama - Another popular category of literature, known as drama or play, is a story created specifically for a stage
performance. The most renowned author of drama was William Shakespeare—the writer of Macbeth, Hamlet,
and Romeo and Juliet. More modern plays include A Streetcar Named Desire and A Raisin in the Sun.

Poetry - It is a form of literary art that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in
addition to, or in place of, prosaic ostensible meaning (ordinary intended meaning). In this style of writing, words are
arranged in a metrical pattern and often (though not always) in rhymed verse. Renowned poets include Robert
Frost, and Maya Angelou.

Prose – It is a form of language that possesses ordinary syntax and natural speech rather than rhythmic structure;
in which regard, along with its measurement in sentences rather than lines. It differs from poetry because has no
formal metrical structure.

Folktale - Another beloved genre of literature is folktale. Folktale, which is also referred to as mythology, tells stories
of originally oral literature and are meant to pass on particular moral lessons. These tales often have a timeless
quality, dealing with common concerns that are relevant despite the time period.

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CHILDREN`S LITERATURE

Children’s Literature – It is the body of written works and accompanying illustrations produced in order to entertain
or instruct young people. The genre encompasses a wide range of works, including acknowledged classics of
world literature, picture books and easy-to-read stories written exclusively for children, and fairy tales, lullabies,
fables, folk songs, and other primarily orally transmitted materials.

Children’s literature first clearly emerged as a distinct and independent form of literature in the second half of the
18th century, before which it had been at best only in an embryonic stage. During the 20th century, however, its
growth has been so luxuriant as to make defensible its claim to be regarded with the respect—though perhaps not
the solemnity—that is due any other recognized branch of literature.

The Value of Children`s Literature

Children’s literature creates foundational pathways for a child’s language development and acquisition, as
well as encourages an actively engaged imagination. Giving children access to all varieties of literature is extremely
important for their success. Educators, parents, and community members should help students develop a love and
passion for reading. Not only is reading literature important in developing cognitive skills to be able to succeed in a
school or work setting, but it is valuable for other reasons as well.

Children’s literature is important because it provides students with opportunities to respond to literature; it
gives students appreciation about their own cultural heritage as well as those of others; it helps students develop
emotional intelligence and creativity; it nurtures growth and development of the student’s personality and social
skills; and it transmits important literature and themes from one generation to the next. Children`s literature
develops children`s access to life`s lesson and purposes like the following:

 Children’s literature provides students with the opportunity to respond to literature and develop their own
opinions about the topic.

 Children’s literature provides an avenue for students to learn about their own cultural heritage and the
cultures of other people.

 Children’s literature helps students develop emotional intelligence. Stories have the power to promote
emotional and moral development.

 Children’s literature encourages students to think deeper about their own feelings.

 Children’s literature also encourages creativity.

 Children’s literature is extremely valuable in both the school setting and at home.

 Children’s literature is of value because it fosters personality and social development.

 Children’s literature is of value because it is a timeless tradition, one in which “books are the major means
of transmitting our literary heritage from one generation to the next.

GENRES OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

Classic – A widely read work recognized as outstanding in its field, remaining in print long after initial publications
where it is translated, adapted, and issued in multiple editions; and continues to be the subject of criticism,
commentary, study, and analysis
Example: The Velveteen rabbit by Margery Williams

Epic – Long stories of human adventure and heroism recounted in many episodes. Some epics are told in verse.
Epics are grounded in mythology, and their characters are both human and divine.
Example: The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Fairy Tale – A fanciful story written for or told to children, usually containing at least one supernatural element
(magic, dragons, elves, ghosts, hobgoblins, witches, etc.) affecting people, animals, and/or things. Most fairy tales
are based on the traditional folklore of a specific culture.
Example: The Princess and the pea by Hans Christian Anderson
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Fable – A short tale in verse or prose that uses animal characters to express or teach a moral lesson. Very old form
of storytelling related to folktales.
Example: Aesop’s fables by Aesop

Fantasy - used (in the context of children’s literature) to describe works of fiction, written by a specific author (i.e.
not traditional) and usually novel-length, which involve the supernatural or some other unreal element. Fantasy is
closely related to the traditional fairy tale, and the birth of fantasy writing in Britain coincided with the 19th- century
revival of interest in, and admiration for, the orally transmitted fairy tale.
Example: The golden compass by Philip Pullman

Folktale – A short narrative rooted in the oral tradition of a particular culture that may include improbable or
supernatural elements. Many fairy tales, myths and legends began as folktales.
Example: Tales from silver lands by Charles J. Finger

Legend – A traditional story of a well-known event, sometimes concerning the life of a national folk hero, which may
contain fiction or supernatural elements, but is considered to have some basis in historical fact.
Example: Merlin and the making of a king retold by Margaret Hodges

Mystery – A popular novel, short story, or drama about an unusual occurrence, such as a murder or disappearance.
The plot in a mystery often hinges on the efforts of a professional or amateur sleuth to uncover the truth. Subgenres
include detective fiction and suspense.
Example: Bunnicula: a rabbit tale of mystery by Deborah and James Howe

Myth – From the classical Greek word mythos, meaning “story”. A traditional story, especially one concerning the
early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural
beings or events. A narrative rooted in the traditions of a specific culture, capable of being understood and
appreciated in its own right but at the same time a part of a system of stories (mythology) transmitted orally from
one generation to the next to illustrate man’s relationship to the cosmos.
Example: The Golden flower: a Taino myth from Puerto Rico by Nina Jaffe

Poetry – Consciously created in metrical form, may use imaginative and symbolic language. Intended to express
sublime thought and emotion and give aesthetic pleasure through the combination of well-chosen words and
rhythmic phrases (sound and sense).
Example: Once I ate a pie by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest

Sci-Fi – A highly imaginative form of fiction based on scientific speculation, usually depicting life and adventure in
the future or on other planets, usually involves space or time travel. A form of literary fantasy or romance that often
draws upon earlier kinds of utopian and apocalyptic writing.
Example: A wrinkle in time by Madeline L’Engle

Short Story – A work of short fiction, usually 2,000 to 10,000 word in length, in which the author limits the narrative
to a single character (or group of characters) acting in a limited setting, usually at a single point in time, to achieve a
unified effect. Short story is an invented prose narrative shorter than a novel usually dealing with a few characters
and aiming at unity of effect and often concentrating on the creation of mood rather than plot.
Example: Edgar Allen Poe’s tales of mystery and madness by Edgar Allen Poe

Biography - tells the story of an actual person’s life or a portion of his or her life. Often the person’s life is notable for
his or her accomplishments or a significant triumph. An autobiography is simply a biography written by a person
about him- or herself.
Example: Arthur Miller: Attention Must Be Paid by James Campbell

Picture books – This are profusely illustrated books in which the pictures are essential to complete understanding
and enjoyment of the story. The illustrations may provide clues to setting, plot, characterization and mood. Types of
picture books include baby and toddler books; alphabet, counting and other concept books; wordless books; picture
storybooks; pattern books; and beginning readers.
Example: The Turtle and The Monkey by Paul Galdone

Literary Elements of Literature

Characters: In children’s literature, character is used to mean a person or personified animal or object.
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Character Development: collection of features that bring the character to life, inner and outer qualities
Revelation of Character occurs through the character’s thoughts, conversations, actions and behaviors; the author’s
narration; or the thoughts of other characters

Types of Characters:
o   Round Characters: Fully developed in the story—central characters and protagonists
o   Flat Characters: Less important characters, but essential to the action
o   Dynamic Characters: Changes in the course of the action
o   Static Characters: No change in the course of the story—flat characters, stereotypes and foils (a minor character
whose traits are in direct contrast to the main character)
        
Analysis of characterization:
o   Physical traits
o   Inner qualities
o   Revelation of the character
o   Relationship to other characters
o   Types of characters
        
Good Picture Books for Character Study:
o   Amazing Grace—Hoffman
o   My Great Aunt Arizona—Gloria Huston
     
Classroom Connection:
o   Character Cinquainography
o   Adjectives and Character Traits
o   Character Development Story Map
o   Character Diary Entries

Setting: the time and place where the story occurs.

Characteristics of setting:
o   Time identified as past, present or future
o   Setting is developed through text or illustrations
o   Setting provides details which reinforce the plot and characterization
        
 Author’s use of setting to enhance story:
o   When the story depends upon reader understanding, envisioning, feeling and/or sensing a particular scene, an
author often goes to great lengths to describe clearly the setting.
o   An author may sometimes choose not to clearly describe a setting, or make it too specific because to do so might
limit the universality of the conflict
 
Types of Settings:
o   Backdrop Setting: setting is of secondary importance; story focus is likely to be on characters, character
confrontation, dialogue, action and the development of conflict
o   Time and place influence action, character and/or theme. Characters behave in a given way because of time and
place
    
 Good Picture Books for Setting:
o   Gleam and Glow—Eve Bunting
o   Grandfather’s Journey—Allen Say
o   The Relatives Came—Cynthia Rylant
       
Classroom Connection:
o   Setting Comparison: Where I live vs. Story setting

Plot: Sequence of events showing characters in action. Sequence is chosen by the author as the best way of telling
the story.
Three Elements of Plot
Narrative Order: the way or the order in which the writer chooses to unfold the story to the reader
o Chronological: Events are related in the order of their happening
o Flashbacks: Writer disrupts normal time sequence to recount some past event

ELE15 MODULE 1- Overview of Children`s Literature

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 Conflict: the struggles the protagonist of the story faces
o Person-against-self: Character typically faces an internal conflict which pulls her/him toward two courses of
action
o Person-against-person: involves a struggle between two or more characters
o Person-against-society: involves a struggle between a character, or characters and either social mores, cultural
values or sometimes the law
o Person-against-nature: involves a conflict between a character and some force or forces of nature

Pattern of Action: the pattern that the action of the story takes place
o Suspense: state of uncertainty about what events will happen in the story—cliffhanger, foreshadowing, and
sensationalism
o Climax: peak and turning point of conflict, point at which the reader knows the outcome of the action
o Denouement: resolution or tying together of the plot that gives the reader a sense of completeness at the end.

Good Picture Books for Plot

o The Ugly Duckling
o Harriet and the Promised Land

Point of View: The side of the story the reader sees as revealed by the author through the characters. Point of view
is seen through the eyes and minds of characters as the plot unfolds.
·         Types of Point of View
o   First Person
 Story told through first-person narrator “I” whose actions and feelings influence story
This character is limited in perspective because she/he cannot tell what another character thinks unless told by the
other character

o   Objective Point of View

Author lets actions speak for themselves
Author describes only the characters’ actions; the reader is left to infer characters’ thoughts and feelings

o   Omniscient Point of View

Story is told in the third person with author talking about “they, he, or she”
Author is not restricted to the knowledge, experience and feelings of one character
Feelings, thoughts and even motives of any or all characters can be revealed to give the reader helpful information

o   Limited Omniscient Point of View

Combination of first-person and omniscient
Story is told through the eyes of a single character, usually the protagonist, but is not told in first-person

Good Picture Books for Point of View

o   The True Story of the Three Little Pigs—Jon Scieszka
o   Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog—Sara Miller

Theme: The idea that holds the story together or the author’s message to the reader. it is the main idea or the
central meaning of the story
Themes often deal with society, human nature, the human condition, social issues, and good versus evil
Authors reveals theme explicitly as well as implicitly.
Stories usually have a cluster of theme which are often related.
o   Primary theme—central theme which is of more importance than the rest
o   Secondary theme—themes which seem of lesser importance than the primary one
·       
“Themes are the underlyng ideas, morals, and lessons that give the story its texture, depth, and meaning….We infer
themes.” (Harvey & Goudvis)
 “A plot relates to a single story, whereas a theme is applicable to hundreds of stories.” (Donelson & Nilsen)

Classroom Connection: Theme boards using Proverbs

       A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.        Make hay while the sun shines. Necessity is the
       A friend in need is a friend indeed. mother of invention.
       A stitch in time saves nine.        Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.
       Absence makes the heart grow fonder.        One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
       As you sow, so you shall reap.        Out of sight, out of mind.

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        Beauty is only skin deep.        Rome wasn’t built in a day.
       Better late than never.        The best way to a man’s heart is through his
       Better safe than sorry. stomach.
       Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.        The end justifies the means.
       Don’t cry over spilt milk.        The grass is always greener on the other side of
       Don’t judge a book by its cover. the fence.
       Don’t through the baby out with the bath water.        Too many cooks spoil the broth.
       Early to bed and early to rise makes a man        Two heads are better than one.
healthy, wealthy, and wise.        Waste not, want not.
       Every cloud has a silver lining.        When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
       God helps those who help themselves.        You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot
       Half a loaf is better than no bread. make him drink.
       He who laughs last laughs longest.        You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
       Let sleeping dogs lie.
       Hunger is the best sauce.

Style: Author’s choice and arrangement of words in order to create plot, characterizations, setting, and theme.
 Devices of Style:
o   Connotation: Associative or emotional meaning of a word; usually used to describe a character or situation
o   Imagery: the appeal of the senses; helps to create setting, establish mood and character
o   Figurative Language: Words used in a non-literal way, giving meaning beyond the usual sense. Ex) personification,
simile, or metaphor
o   Hyperbole: exaggeration used for humor or to make a point
o   Understatement: opposite of exaggeration; used to play down a happening or situation
o   Allusion: tends to have more meaning for mature readers; relies on a reference to something in our common
understanding, our past, or our literature
o   Symbol: something that operates on two levels of meaning, the literal and the figurative levels
o   Puns and Wordplay

Devices of Sound:
o   Onomatopoeia: words that sounds like their meaning
o   Alliteration: repetition of a similar vowel sound within a phrase
o   Consonance: close repetition of a consonant sound within a phrase but not in the initial position
o   Rhythm and Cadence

Tone: the author’s attitude toward what he or she has written. Ex) humor, mysterious, creepy, straight-forward,
matter of-fact, exciting, boring, etc.

Importance of Literature to the Child`s Development

Getting children to read is an important aspect of preparing them for success in school. While there are many
different philosophies about how children learn language, most agree that exposure to diverse usage of language is an
important part of the developmental process. Children`s literature is important because it enhances development of
language skills and other critical thinking skills that provide the foundation of learning.

Focusing only on literature`s value in developing language skills, however, overlooks other contributions that
reading adds to a child`s development. Children read to fun, and in the process, develop better reading skills and
abilities to enjoy more reading. Because reading children`s literature stimulates a child`s imagination, reading also
provides an important visual experience.

Books provide “windows” into worlds that many would never able to physically visit and see and encourage
students to consider situations that would never even occurred to them.

“It is not enough simply to teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that
will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to
reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own .” 
– Katherine Peterson
ELE15 MODULE 1- Overview of Children`s Literature
CDAlmarinez 2020
ELE15 MODULE 1- Overview of Children`s Literature
CDAlmarinez 2020
ASSESSM
ENT
Exercise #1
Matching Type: Match Column A to Column B

Column A Column B
_____ 1. Long history of human adventure and heroism. A. Legend
_____ 2. Short narrative rooted in the oral tradition of a particular culture. B. Mystery
_____ 3. Imaginative form of fiction based on scientific speculation. C. Short Story
_____ 4. It tells the story of an actual person’s life. D. Fable
_____ 5. Fictional story the features animals, plants, and inanimate E. Fairy Tale
objects. F. Folktale
_____ 6. A narrative rooted in the traditions of a specific culture. G. Sci-Fi
_____ 7. A fanciful story written for or told to children containing H. Myth
supernatural elements. I. Biography
_____ 8. A work of short fiction, usually 2,000 to 10,000 words in length. J. Epic
_____ 9. A traditional story of a well-known event, sometimes concerning K. Fantasy
the life of a national folk hero.
_____ 10. A popular novel, short story, or drama about an unusual
occurrence.

REFEREN
Norton, D.,CES
& Norton, S. (2010). Through the eyes of a child: An introduction to children’s literature (8th ed.).
Boston, MA: Prentice-Hall.

Barone, D.M.(2010). Children’s Literature in the Classroom: Engaging Lifelong Readers. Guilford Publications. New
York.

Winch, G. (2006). What is children’s literature? In G. Winch, R. Ross-Johnston, M. Holliday, L. Ljungdahl & P.
March (Eds.), Literacy: Reading, writing and children’s literature (3rd ed., pp. 393-413). South Melbourne: Oxford
University Press.

Tomlinson, C. M., & Lynch-Brown, C. (2002). Essentials of Children’s Literature. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
PROF PN1009.A1 L96 1995

ELE15 MODULE 1- Overview of Children`s Literature

CDAlmarinez 2020