What is Young Children's Literature?

A way to remedy the loss of the personal stories and recollections of family members is to introduce young children to age-appropriate literature. Young children's literature includes a variety of genres, or types. What is common to all is that they are of interest to young children, from infants to 8 years of age. They include poems, rhymes, legends, and picture books. The books contain many illustrations that support the story and add to its meaning.




Topics in children's literature can include traditional stories (fairy tales or legends), modern fantasy (talking animals, miniature children or people), realistic fiction (poverty, sibling rivalry), historical fiction, or biographies. Information books about topics such as electricity and volcanoes are also available.