Children's literature evolved over time from oral traditions to printed works as ideas about childhood changed. Early works focused on religious instruction and socializing children, while later works from the 16th-17th centuries began separating childhood from adulthood. The 18th-19th centuries saw growth in genres like nursery rhymes, fables, fairy tales, and adventure stories that blended entertainment with lessons. The 20th century brought psychological insights and increasing diversity in themes and representations in literature for children.

1. Childhood and History