Realism and fantasy in contemporary children's literature

Abstract

What exactly is 'children's literature'? Is it simply all books that are written with children in mind? Or is it books that publishers have decided should be for children? Who precisely decides what books children are to read? Clearly there is some element of choice on thc part of ohildren, especially today, with a wide variety of school and public libraries and, of course, well-stocked bookshops. However, adults obviously have an enormous hand in choosing which books are to be stocked and which are to be bought. Many would probably state that choice is predicated on whether or not a book is 'good' but then what is a 'good' book for children? Is it one that children enjoy? Many children have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, Enid Blyton's books, for instance, but it is unlikely thut many adults would agree with a list that includes Blyton's books as being examples of fine literature for young people. Or is a 'good' book, on the other hand, one that critics have picked out and have decided that it has all the criteria necessary for being defined in that way? To question further, must children's literature have child protagonists? Lord of the Flies, for instance, focuses on a group of children but few people would accept that it is suitable for older adolescents let alone younger children. Furthermore, must children's literature, because it is aimed at 'children' consist, consequently, of facile plots and simple themes or is it possible to tackle universal themes intelligently and sensitively whilst simultaneously ensuring that they are accessible to a child?