2. Literary Elements and Aspects of Quality in Children ’ s Books Children ’ s Literature Presentation, ENG 360

3. Plot Expectations vary with age Strict chronological order Older: Can follow “flashbacks”, more complex plots Conflict draws reader in Criteria: Natural (believable) Not predictable all the way through

4. Good Characterization… Invites identification Shows weaknesses as well as strengths [believable] Is interesting, unique Shows change over time [longer books]

5. Setting [2 aspects] Criteria: Supportive of characters & plot Accurate [if specific] Contribution: Creates mood May be antagonist Can provide historical background May symbolize aspects of plot or character Adds credibility to story

6. Theme Unifies plot, characterization, and setting Sometimes stated by a character Often value-laden Criteria: Worthwhile Relevant to a child ’ s experience

7. Writing Style Choice of words, their arrangement, kinds of sentences Use of figurative language, interesting sentence structures, repetition, rhythms to evoke mood Should trust reader to “ fill in the gaps ” [understatement]

8. Point of View (Narrator) First person (usually main character) Lends an immediacy to the telling Second person “ You ” to address the reader or a story character Least common point of view May establish a conversational tone 3rd person Omniscient (Can get into the head of all the major characters) Limited omniscient Restricted ability to know the thoughts of characters Criteria Consistency Appropriateness

9. Other Story Aspects: Tone-author ’ s attitude toward subject or audience Mood-atmosphere of the story, feelings it evokes