Childrens Lit Essay

Special Place in Stories and Our Hearts
Animals have always had a commanding influence as characters in stories most loved by children.   In 20th century children"s literature has seen countless animals and creatures become introduced into the story as a central character. Any creature in a novel serves as an important symbol and has important relationships with the human characters. When animals and creatures are placed in this genre it helps with the development of the plot. Children can also sometimes relate better to these characters that are non-human because it allows them to use their imagination. Animal tales have a long history, reaching back to the origins of oral narrative. Most of the tales dealt with live animals and creatures but, in some the protagonist or other characters are stuffed animals, mechanical animals or even imaginary beings (Gose, 1). There are many different types of children"s literature that involves animals and creatures; the two largest being animal fantasy fiction and animal realistic fiction. Most stories that have an animal as a central character in them usually rest on the simple principles that animals can think and talk the way we do (Gose, 2). In this essay we will be discussing the role and characteristics of animals, monsters, creatures and also their relationships with human characters.

Stewart 2
There are differences between animal fantasy fiction and animal realistic fiction. The author of a fantasy tale often takes extra care in introducing us to the fantasy world, providing a explanation or description to ensure the "suspension of our disbelief" (Gose,5). In fantasy fiction the author critically depends on double appeal, to the reader"s desire both to escape and to face reality. Animals are used in fantasy fiction because when they speak they can provide a relief from every day realities and routines (Gose, 3). That would be very appealing to a child who may be bored with their own lives. When reading Maurice...