Hornbooks- Small rectangular paddles, about the size of an index card, used as a method of displaying literature for children. A small piece of animal skin prepared for writing, or parchment, was placed on the paddle and covered by a thin sheet of cattle horn (thus giving them their name). An example is shown in the illustration below.
Chapbooks- booklets emerging in the 16th century as an alternative to the typically religious hornbooks. While the printing quality may not have been stellar for these cheap books, the printer, or one of them at least, was- John Newbery. Image below.
Orbis Pictus- Considered to be the world's first picture book for children. The World in Pictures gives children woodcut illustrations of natural wonders. Simple text accompanies these illustrations making it the first of it's kind.
Charles Perrault- Published Tales of Mother Goose, giving readers a collection of favorite French stories in a single work and their first introduction to the character of Mother Goose herself. These stories appealed to adults and children alike during the late 17th century, just as they do today. A page from the collection:
John Newbery- Early publisher of books solely for children, including chapbooks mentioned previously. Newbery published hundreds of books meant to entertain and engage children, including some of his own works such as The History of Little Goody Two Shoes. Later, an award for outstanding children's books was named in his honor.
Randolph Caldecott- British pioneer of children's book illustrations. He is considered the first to use illustrations depicting action, as he did in The Diverting History of John Gilpin. Today, a small portion of that book's illustration is used in the medal baring Caldecott's name, which is given to books exhibiting excellence in the area of illustration.
Kate Greenaway- Like Caldecott, Greeaway was a pioneer in the art of illustrations for children's literature. She is the namesake of the British award for children's illustration excellence, award annually (save one year when no books were considered worthy) since 1956.
St. Nicholas Magazine- A children's magazine that began in the late 19th century that featured contributions from well known and highly respected authors and illustrators in the children's literature field. Louisa May Alcott's Jo's Boys was first published serially in this magazine.
Trends in 20th Century Children's Books- In recent years, children's literature has expanded to deal with the topics and issues facing children today. The reader is more likely to see characters that look like them, and identify with situations familiar to them, than in past periods. Those children desiring non-fiction books have more acceptable options to choose from then their parents would have before them. Young children wanting a book at their level, even one that is easier for them to handle (such as a board book), are likely to find appropriate choices in readily accessible stores. In short, children's literature today is more. More choices, more access, more entertainment, more affordable, etc.
Millions of Cats- A storybook by Wanda Gag, published in 1928, which has been called the "first American picture storybook." The illustrations in the story flow with the song-like text to create a more rounded literary experience for young readers. (Well, until the cats eat each other, that is.)
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