Children's Literature Timeline

  • John Newbery Opens Bookstore In St. Paul's Churchyard, London

    John Newbery published and sold higher quality children's books.
  • Nathaniel Hawthorne

    A Wonder Book for Boys and Girls is the first American Children's Book
  • Lewis Carroll's Children's Books

    Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass where some of the first entertainment books for kids.
  • First Child Labor Laws and New Printing Technologies.

    This allowed children to go to school and learn how to read, and new technologies helped put books in the hands of children.
  • US Publishing House

    Department devoted entirely to children's books.
  • Picture Books

    The development of modern picture books.
  • John Newbery Award

    This award is annually given to "The most distinguished contributions to American literature for children" by the American Library Association.
  • Helen Dean Fish and May Massee

    Both became the first children's books editors.
  • Randolph Caldecott Award

    Annually given to the artist of the "most distinguished American picture book for children."
  • Children's Book Press

    Publication of children's bilingual picture books devoted to promote and reflect diversity of culture.