From: Norma Jean Sawicki <nsawicki_at_nyc.rr.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:52:55 -0400

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In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries children's books were deliberately designed to "teach" readers how to be "good " children, which could mean anything from being obedient, good citizens, etc. That has long fallen by the wayside in the western world, novels/ fiction for children have themes, just as fiction for adults and movies have themes. From the chair in which I sit, it would be terrific if "message" were not used by those associated with children's books and reading. Instead if theme were used over and over again, down the road, it could take hold among the general public.

If I controlled the world, adults concerned about "messages" in fiction for kids, would be introduced to fiction as story, and stories have themes as indicated below....

A novel's theme is its idea or point . The theme of a fable is its moral; the theme of a parable is its teaching; the theme of a short story is its implied view of life and conduct. Unlike the fable and parable, however, most fiction is not designed to teach or preach. Its theme is more obliquely presented. In fact, theme in fiction is rarely presented at all; readers abstract it from the details of characters and action that compose the story." (Robert DiYanni, Literature. McGraw-Hill, 2002)

In some parts of the world, China, for instance, most fiction for kids is still "message" oriented. Norma Jean
Received on Fri 19 Aug 2011 12:52:55 PM CDT