Children’s literature dwells in a realm all of its own. On the one hand, it’s large enough to engulf all the other literary genres: mystery, fantasy, horror, comedy, et al. On the other hand, it’s forced to be palatable and deliverable to a young audience.
And yet it doesn’t feel constricted: it’s not as if all children’s literature falls into the same rut or style. On the contrary, it’s as if the simplicity of the prose allows for more ingenuity...not less. (And I’m not even talking about illustrated children’s books, which are the ultimate combination of literature and artwork, even though Dan and Scott McCloud might say it’s the comic book.)
That's why some of my all-time favorite books are children’s books. Childrens' books were able to transport me in ways that adult fiction can’t. There are a few children’s books, in particular, that are able to transcend their audience and be just as interesting to adults. I think it's because some (but not all) include non-children themes...or dual layers of depth.
The Hobbit
Watership Down
Tuck Everlasting
The Secret Garden
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass
The Education of Little Tree
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Great Brain series
The Whipping Boy
The Wind in the Willows
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wizard of Earthsea
Matilda
The Call of the Wild
White Fang
The Giver
The Harry Potter series
8 years ago
10 comments:
To Dan regarding the last topic: I'm not sure I did qualify the gross of the movie Titanic as a barometer for Leo's success, Dan. I was simply suggesting that I think it is strange to drop someone from the "list of all lists" simply because you (J) didn't like a specific movie/role (PARTICULARLY a film that has filled more seats than 99% of its would-be competitors, ever). I have no idea if Titanic was "a waste of time" as I have never seen it. The argument just seemed akin to people leaving a band that they love because their music becomes "trendy" and not as a result of the merit. That may not be what you meant J, but who can read the mind of the blogger?! Additionally pointing out Titanic's success was definitely the crux of my argument/statement.
That last sentence should read:
Additionally pointing out Titanic's success was definitely NOT the crux of my argument/statement.
To clarify,
My points were in two:
1) Leo has been great since What's Eating Gilbert Grape.
seperate point
2) Bagging on Titanic seems a strange reason to reduce an actors talent status (your point directed to me Dan seems more appropriate pointed at Titanic haters, much of their fuel comes from its epic success). J says, "Because I don’t want to like Leo--he was in TITANIC!" Seems like a Titanic barometer to me.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/adjusted.htm
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/world/
What's this?! I was so excited to see the 3 comments on J's blog about books, and instead I find more Leo/Titanic stuff. Shame on you, Rob. You better repent. If you don't add a comment about children's books, perhaps your own suggested readings, etc, then I'm going to get Dan to help me tie you down and make you read Watership Down, which (by the way) is an incredible book and coincidentally pertains to THIS blog.
I would add to that list (just a few off the top of my head):
Mrs. Johnathan Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Maniac Magee
Speak
Bridge to Teribithia
I agree with J -- often the children's or young adult's literature has some of the most poignant messages.
J, I remember I had the hardest time getting you to read The Lord of the Rings because of your dislike of The Hobbit. Glad to see you came around!
Great list, by the way, and there's a few on there I haven't read yet. Unfortunately, I can't think of any additions for the list yet, but I do, I'll post 'em.
I really enjoyed your observations of the genre. As regards your comment about illustrated children's books, it's not that I would say they're superior to comics, or vice versa, it's that they're really two different things. Comics are capable of doing things that no other medium is, but of course there are things that books do that comics can't. Anyway, I love illustrated books (and I concede that generally, the illustrations are better in books). I think a lot of "adult" reading would benefit from some illustrations, even simple accent paintings. For instance, some full-color landscape paintings or photographs of the settings depicted in The Historian would have been just super.
Who says I haven't already read Watership Down?! And, why are we imposing blogging rules..?
I have been very busy and didn't get time to post a rebuttal to Dan until the topic had passed, and I didn't want my comments to get lost in the shuffle.
Alright, kids.
Marci, good additions. I especially liked your adding Bridge to Teribithia because it illustrates what I was saying about children's books that cover mature themes (death/survivor's guilt)...and I still haven't read Mrs. Frisbee and the Rats of NIMH. Argh!
Dan, I wasn't trying to bag on comics...as you seemed to recognize. They are two different mediums. I think the reason I said what I did about illustrated children's books is due to the vast spectrum of illustrations. Everything ranging from the extremely realistic artwork of Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji), the intricate, glowing art of Don Wood (Heckedy Peg), the rough, linear drawing of Raymond Briggs(The Snowman), etc., etc. But, then again, there are a wide variety of comic art types as well; so maybe it's just because comic frames are more limited in size and text-to-picture ratio?
Rob, you're right for calling me out about holding commercial success against movies, bands, etc. I admit I have an initial knee-jerk dislike for mainstream, though I do get over it sometimes. It's not that Titanic was such a bad movie; it's more that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet were really bad in it. And Billy Zane?! Well...he should have had a pencil-thin mustache and a cape.
And my point about Leonardo: he was incredible in his first real movie role: What's Eating Gilbert Grape? but then he started falling into his pretty-boy typecast roles. He's beginning to prove again to me that he can do serious roles and VERY well. I just hope his commercial success as a box office actor doesn't force him to play it safe...
I don't know if your familiar with The Giver, but I think that it's one of the most somber, intelligent children's books out there.
Lots of critical review. Some think its themes are too mature for children, so its on a few schools' banned book lists.
I admit, I am sorry! (read all text in sincere terms, to avoid falling into the large percentile of online communication that gets misinterpreted). I should have posted my reply about, who my wife calls “Linky-Dinky”, on the appropriate topic. My overzealous nature got the best of me once again.
I broke socially agreed upon bogging etiquette. I henceforth banish myself from all posting for the next few posts (minimum of three but not to exceed five) on all sites (except my own) concerned, and wish everyone the best during my absence.
I extend my sincerest apologies for my lack of propriety.
Sincerely Penitent,
Rob
The Giver, Watership Down, Alice's Adventures...., and A Wrinkle in Time are my favorite of those books.
Have you ever read Momo by Michael Ende? That's a young adult book you'd love!!!!!
Momo!!!!!
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