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Period: to
1648-1945
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The First Picture Book
In 1657, Johann Amos Comenius wrote the very first picture book. It was called "Orbis Sensualium Pictus" which means "The World in Pictures". The book was written to teach children the alphabet and about nature. Although this may not seem like the most exciting children's book, it was truly groundbreaking in a time where children's literature did not exist.
Comenius, Johann Amos. Orbis Sensualism Pictus. 1658. Book Illustration. 3072 x 1690. Data from: University of California, San Diego. Available from: ARTstor, http://artstor.org (accessed March 28, 2015) -
First Philosopher to Propose the Idea of Childhood
John Locke was the first to propose the idea of childhood and books written especially for children. Locke believed that children's books should be fun to read. His many very important ideas went on to shape the future of children's literature. Richardson, Jonathan. Portratit of John Locke. Late 17th - early 18th century. Brush drawing in gray wash on paper. 491 x 324 mm. British Museum, London, United Kingdom. Available from: ARTstor, http://www.artstor.org (accessed March 28, 2015). -
First Publishing House for Children's Books Opens
John Newbery is an example of a very significant children's author who agreed with Locke, he believed that reading should be associated with play. So, Newbery attached small toys to his books. However, Newbery was much more than an author he opened the first children's book only publishing house where he wrote hundreds of titles in including "The History of Little Goody Two Shoes". Newbery, John. The History of Little Goody Two Shoes. 1765. Book Illustration. Retrieved from: http://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/moral-and-instructive-childrens-literature (accessed March 28, 2015). -
Fairy Tales and Folk Tales are Written
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm collected many loved stories that had been told for many years through the oral tradition and wrote them down in their book "Household Tales". The tales in their book were initially more like cautionary tales, however over time many of them were adapted to have happy endings and many of these adaptations are children's stories that are still read and loved today. Baumann, Elisabeth. Double Portrait of the Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. 1855. Oil on canvas. 63 x 54 cm. Berlin State Museum, Berlin, Germany. Available from: ARTstor, http://www.artstor.org (accessed March 28, 2015). -
Beatrix Potter Wrote "The Tale of Peter Rabbit"
Beatrix Potter was the first author to use both words and illustrations to tell the story, before pictures mostly served as decorations. After writing her first children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", she went on to write many more that are still treasured to this day. To many, she is considered the mother of modern children's literature. "Biography of Beatrix Potter." Victoria and Albert Museum. Accessed March 28, 2015. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/bibliography-beatrix-potter/. -
Ludwig Bemelmans' "Madeline" was Written
Inspired from Bemelmans' own life experience,the story "Madeline" seems extremely authentic to the child reading it. Unlike many works from the past it does not come off as preachy at all. It overall is a story that was written to entertain children and remains popular now, many years later. "Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans." New-York Historical Society. Accessed March 28, 2015. https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/madeline-new-york.
