Here in lies the questions: What is a children's book for? Is it only for children? Is it a device to teach morals and lessons? Is it a means to an end? A tool to learn the art of reading so we become competent adults. Is it pure entertainment, a way to enter fantastical worlds? Or is it a signifier of culture and a way to interpret times to come?
In truth, children's books are all of these things. But rarely in our present time do we examine children's books as anything but a tool for learning. Classes are taught on how to use the millions of books held within this large genre in the classroom. They teach teachers which lessons are contained in each work, which books contain history or morals, and which books could help a child in crisis, and the list goes on. But as of yet, I have never entered a class that taught how the words sound in a readers mind. How a reader takes that sound and melds it into their own life, or how a book becomes part of the readers philosophy and view of the world and the culture in which they are submersed.
I am searching for such a classroom. A room that recognizes the genre of children's literature as everything it is: a teacher, a friend, a guide, a movement, a sound, and a reaction. In personal experience, books within the genre of children's and young adult literature have led me on a path. It might be said that at an early age I took my first step onto the yellow brick road, but it is only in mid adulthood that I am ready and willing to take the risk of skipping down it.
This was written after I viewed the movie "Phoebe in Wonderland." A movie that one day I intend to own. For lovers of children's and young adult literature here is a small list of movies that are a must see.
Phoebe in Wonderland
Neverwas
Finding Neverland
Big Fish
Ever After
Tin Man (T.V. Series)
Where the Wild Things Are
The NeverEnding Story
The Forbidden Kingdom
Mirror Mask
Peter Pan (Disney and the 2004 Universal)
and many more!
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