Children s literature

Children’s literature can be defined as good quality trade books for children from birth to adolescence, covering topics of relevance and interests to children of those ages, through prose and poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Children can connect with the characters, events, places, and problems in literature on a personal level. Such affective responses to literature provide opportunities for students to become personally involved in reading and learning. For children to be successful they should be exposed to a wide variety of literature and with the help of parents and teachers, they should develop a love and passion for reading in order to build their cognitive skills. According to Manali Oak (2009), Literature not only describes reality but also adds to it. Literature is not merely a depiction of reality; it is rather a value-addition. Literary works are portrayals of the thinking patterns and social norms prevalent in society. They are a depiction of the different facets of common man's life. Classical literary works serve as a food for thought and a tonic for imagination and creativity. Exposing an individual to good literary works, is equivalent to providing him/her with the finest of educational opportunities. On the other hand, the lack of exposure to classic literary works is equal to depriving an individual from an opportunity to grow as an individual. Literature is necessary for children because they should start learning how to read and write at a young age. Literature is important because it provides students with chances to react to literature; it helps students develop emotional intelligence and creativity; it nurtures growth and development of the student’s personality and social skills. Children’s literature provides students with the chance to react to literature and develop their own estimations about the topic. It encourages deep thinking about literature as it builds the cognitive skills. A good form of literature does not tell