Through the Eyes of a Child - Book Report/Review Example

The chapter shows us different stages in the development of writing for children, and what the chief concerns were at different stages in its history. For instance, I find it very interesting that the Puritan era in the 1640s and the values of that era found their way into the children's books. Where the concerns of the age were about self-discipline and stress on religious values, the content of such works as Pilgrim's Progress centered on the same. At the same time, I am not surprised at all that woven into moral teachings were stories that also meant to entertain. The adventures in the stories presented there was no doubt meant to satisfy the natural craving of young children for adventure. This is true for boys. From experience, I can validate this. I find it very interesting that this is a common thread between the children's books of the time and my own childhood. One cannot underestimate the value of entertaining children and talk to them in a language that they can relate to. Adventure stories are one, and the chapter also points to fairy tales as another important genre. The aim of the course is to make sure that children read the books, and find them interesting. The moral and life lessons follow (Norton)