Children's Literature Reflects Childhood Experience

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published December 12, 2006 at 11:01 AM PST

This story was published more than 18 years ago.

Host Tom Fudge talks with Jerry Griswold, director of the National Center for the Study of Children's Literature and professor of English at San Diego State University. In his new book, "Feeling Like

Tom Fudge: Sometimes it seems like everyone thinks he or she can write a children’s book. Movie stars and talk show personalities get into the act and, because they’re famous, they do get published. But, over time, the good stuff is separated from the dross. And we come to recognize who are the gifted writers of books for kids. These writers, many of which are well known, seem to have an instinct for what fascinates children. You might say they really do have an inner child that they can consult for stories and themes.

Guest

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Jerry Griswold, director of the National Center for the Study of Children’s Literature and a professor of English at San Diego State University. His new book is called Feeling Like a Kid: Childhood and Children’s Literature.