Key Concepts in Children's Literature and Fantasy

Ursula K. Le Guin's Notable Work

• The Earthsea Quartet, first published in 1967.

J.K. Rowling's Impact on Fantasy Literature

• J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997. Rowling and Philip Pullman ushered in a new era, often called the "Second Golden Age," due to the resurgence and success of their fantasy sagas: Harry Potter and His Dark Materials.

Defining Literature

• Literature is an art form that conveys a message, engaging both the senses and emotions.

Features of Children's Literature

• Generally shorter in length.
• Emphasis on dialogue and action.
• Child-oriented language.

Literary Analytical Tools

• Setting: The time and place where the action occurs.
• Characters: These can be flat, round, heroes, villains, etc.
• Narrator: Can be 1st or 3rd person, reliable, intrusive, etc.

Features of Fantasy Fiction

• Detailed setting maps.
• Opportunity to offer new universal truths.
• Primary (realistic) or secondary (fantasy) world settings.

Introduction of Print in Britain

• William Caxton introduced the printing press to Britain in 1476.

The Puritan View of Children in the 17th Century

• Puritans viewed children as damned souls in need of salvation.

The Importance of A Little Pretty Pocket Book

• A Little Pretty Pocket Book, authored by John Newbery in 1744, is significant as the first commercial text aimed at both children and adults that combined instruction with delight.

Sara Fielding's The Governess

• Sara Fielding wrote The Governess, or the Little Female Academy in 1749. The setting is a girls' school.

The Significance of Robinson Crusoe

• Robinson Crusoe, written in 1719, is considered the first English novel.

Early 19th Century Children's Literature Authors

• Maria Edgeworth: The Purple Jar (1801)
• The Lambs (Mary and Charles): Tales from Shakespeare (1807)

Impact of the Brothers Grimm and Andersen Translations

• The translation of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales into English significantly broadened the reach of children's literature by making these stories accessible to a wider audience.