Genres in Childrens Literature

Genres in Childrens LiteratureGenresPoetryFolkloreFantasyContemporary Realistic FictionHistorical FictionScience FictionBiographyNonfiction/InformationalPicture Books

PoetryThe art of rhythmical composition

written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughtsIt may appear on the page as a single line, a thin column, or in the shape of a tree, but not in a paragraphIt thoughtfully explores the world, give insight into the human condition and experience, and bring pleasure to the reader.

FolkloreThe traditional beliefs, legends, customs, etc., of a people; lore of a people.

Thebodyofstoriesandlegendsattachedtoa particularplace,group, or activity 4Fantasy

Fantasy uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within this genre take place in a fictional world where magic is common.Contemporary Realistic FictionWhat if stories, illusions of reality. Events that could happen in the real world, characters that seem real with a contemporary setting.

Historical Fiction

Not to be confused with nonfiction or biography, thehistorical fictiongenre contains books that tell stories of history. Historical fiction books weave fictional stories into factual historical events.Set in the past, could have happened. Story reconstructs events of past age, things that could have or did occur.

Science fictionScience fiction contain story elements not found in the known universe, such as being able to change shapes or read another characters thoughts.The otherworldly elements in science fiction are based on extrapolated scientific fact pushed into logical but unproven possibilities, such as creating a bionic being that is a perfect reproduction of an existing woman.

BiographyBiographyBiography tells the story, or at least part of the story, of an actual persons life. Reliable sources and documentation are imperative.Plots and themes based on a persons life or part of a life history; letters, memoirs, diaries, journals or autobiographies.

Nonfiction/informationalInformational books can be written as expository or narrative. They are non-fiction books that provide information about a variety of topics, such as:SportsAnimalsHistoryScienceWeatherGeographySpaceCareers

10Picture BooksPicture books usually have a picture on every page, but some may not have any text at all. They usually have 32 pages; pictures carry the story. There are many subcategories for picture books:

Alphabet BooksCounting BooksMother Goose BooksNursery Rhyme BooksConcept BooksWordless BooksNearly Wordless BooksToy BooksBaby BooksInteractive BooksPattern or Predictable BooksPicture Story Books

11The EndCreated byJulie Jaques

December 2, 2013