This document provides an introduction to children's literature, including a definition noting that not all books read by children were intended for them but are limited by a child's experience. It outlines personal values of children's literature like enjoyment and insight, and educational values like developing reading skills. The document also lists common genres and evaluation criteria for children's books. It concludes by describing several prestigious book awards given by the American Library Association each year to recognize distinguished children's literature.

1. Children’s Literature
Introduction

2. Definition
It is tricky to define what constitutes children’s literature
because not all books that children read were intended to be
for children. Books about children might not necessarily be
written for them. However, the content of children’s
literature is limited by children’s experience and
understanding. Its uniqueness lies in the audience that it
addresses, and authors of children’s books are
circumscribed by the experiences of childhood which are
vast and complex. (Kiefer, 2010)

3. Values of Children’s
Literature
1. Personal Values
2. Educational Values

4. Personal Values
Personal Values
• Enjoyment
• Imagination
• Vicarious Experience
• Insight Into Human Behavior
• Universality of Experience

5. Educational Values
Educational Values
• Literature in the Home (oral language, vocabulary
development)
• Literature in the School

6. Educational Values (cont.)
Literature in the School
• reading aloud and learning to read
• developing a sense of book language
• developing fluency and understanding
• literature and writing
• literature across the curriculum

7. Genres of Children’s
Literature
1. Picture Books
2. Books to Begin On
3. Traditional Literature
4. Modern Fantasy
5. Poetry
6. Contemporary Realistic Fiction
7. Historical Fiction
8. Nonfiction
9. Biography

8. What makes a good
children’s book?
Evaluation Criteria based on the following elements:
• Plot
• Setting
• Theme
• Characterization
• Style
• Point of View

9. Book Awards
The American Library Association (ALA) is the
organization that presents prestigious awards in children’s
literature.
Every year, ALA honors authors and illustrators through
these awards to recognize distinguished pieces of literature.

10. John Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually to
the author of the most distinguished contribution
to American literature for children published in
the previous year. The award was established in
1922 and was named after John Newbery, a
British publisher and bookseller of the 18th
century. He is also called the “Father of Children’s
Literature”. Only 1 book is chosen to receive the
medal yet runners-up are awarded as Newberry
Honor Books.

11. Randolph J. Caldecott
Medal
The Caldecott Medal was named in
honor of Randolph Caldecott, a 19th
Century English illustrator and is
awarded annually to the artist of the
most distinguished American picture
book for children published in the
previous year.

12. Coretta Scott King Book
Awards
These awards commemorate the life and
works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and
to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her
courage and determination to continue
the work for peace. These awards are
given to African-American authors and
illustrators for their outstanding books
for children and young adults that reflect
the African-American experience.

13. Robert F. Sibert
Informational Book Medal
The Sibert Award honors the most
distinguished informational (nonfiction)
book published in English in the
preceding year for its significant
contribution to children’s literature.

14. Pura Belpré Medal
• The Pura Belpré medal is an award
presented to a Latino/Latina writer
and illustrator whose work best
represents and celebrates the Latino
cultural experience in a work of
literature for children and youth.

15. Theodor Seuss Geisel
Award
• The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award is
given to the best book published in
the previous year for both text and
illustrations in beginning reader
books.