Description:The earliest books written specifically for children were educational. In the late 19th century children’s literature tended to be limited to the middle and upper classes. However with the development of national systems of schooling and public libraries books became increasingly accessible to children from lower income families. Between the 1890s and the 1930s children’s literature became an essential component of the book market and public libraries opened rooms devoted to children’s books.
Children’s books generally reflect the ideas of the period in which they are written and include adult assumptions and concerns about children. In the second half of the 19th century increasing numbers of storybooks and novels were published for children. These showed more fun, freedom, adventure and misadventure, and, above all, had a much greater focus on children’s thoughts and feelings. However, such books also tended to reflect middle class values and lifestyles. This can be seen, for example, in the books of Frances Hodgson Burnett, Arthur Ransome and Enid Blyton.
Adults, especially parents, teachers and librarians, often have control over what books children read. With the advent of the paperback book and pocket money children became able to be more independent in choosing what to read.
‘The House that Jack Built’ was a popular nursery rhyme in the 18th century. It does not tell the story of Jack’s house, or even of Jack who built the house, but instead shows how the house that Jack built has connections with lots of other people and things.