Little Red Riding Hood

How do we define classic children’s literature?

Classic children’s literature has been passed on from generation to generation.   Its appeal at the time it was written has allowed it to transcend societal changes and be remembered and appreciated in some capacity today.  After many generations, the literature appeals less and applies less to children and it becomes dead children’s literature.  Not all classic children’s literature is dead children’s literature, so it is important to distinguish what qualifies a classic as dead.

If children don’t read dead children’s literature, who does?

Most dead children’s literature is read by adults.  We see today that many editions of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. are riddled with annotations to explain the underlying themes and societal influences that it contains.  These tales are still read, enjoyed, and appreciated, but the audience must be able to understand the history involved.  The informed adult reader understands the humor of Alice’s mockery of education and can learn a bit about the culture in which Alice and Lewis Carroll lived.

Alice in Wonderland

Snow White and Red Rose

If children don’t read dead children’s literature, who does?

Most dead children’s literature is read by adults.  We see today that many editions of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. are riddled with annotations to explain the underlying themes and societal influences that it contains.  These tales are still read, enjoyed, and appreciated, but the audience must be able to understand the history involved.  The informed adult reader understands the humor of Alice’s mockery of education and can learn a bit about the culture in which Alice and Lewis Carroll lived.