Thinking of the 21st century children’s literature

Wang Quangen

History is approaching the new millennium, the very moment when those thinking about children’s literature, particularly the theorists, dearly need to calm their minds so that they can discuss the various problems of children’s literature in the new century more deeply.

We have to study the impact of cultural and social phenomena such as networking, cartoons, media, educational reform, living bitterness and anxiety on the production, spread and acceptance of children’s literature, and promote children’s literature. We have to study the way these changes have resulted in changes in children’s lives and the evolution and demand of the value, promise and aesthetic aim of children’s literature. We have to study the new characteristics, contents, and forms that cater to this evolution’s new demands. Children’s literature has such potential to carry the unique law of art audiences (infants-children-teens). We should aspire to make our literature fit for children of all ages. We have to study the ethical standards, aesthetic judgment and ecological environment to broaden the appeal of children’s literature, extend our thought and enhance the broader development and retain the art validity that binds children’s literature, society, history and other art forms.

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