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1440
Introduction of hornbooks. First reading material printed specifically for children.
Before this, reading material was written only for adults. Children were not thought of as being on a different level and needing special literature just for them. -
1484
Aesop's Fables was published by William Caxton and was one of the first books that was published for adults but also enjoyed by children.
This is significant because during this time period writings were created to teach strict lessons and tell of consequences for one's actions. They were not written for enjoyment. Writings were also still reserved for the wealthy. -
1580
Introduction of Chapbooks.
This is important to note because Chapbooks were inexpensive books created for pleasurable reading instead of only for instruction. Many adults disapproved of these books because they did not teach only strict or religious lessons. -
Orbis Pictus by Johann Amos Comenius.
This was the first illustrated book published specifically for children. Before this, any illustrations in a book were decorative only, even showing wood carvings instead of actual pictures. -
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was Published
This is important because the book broke tradition by reflecting human experiences in an honest way instead of ways that adults wanted to portray them to children in hopes to persuade more desirable behavior from the children. -
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was published
This was the first modern fantasy book written by an American author. 13 more Oz books written by Baum followed. -
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was the first modern picture storybook written. This is significant because it shows authors were starting to recognize that children's understanding of literature was developmentally different than traditionally thought and they were trying to incorporate that understanding into the new literature. -
John Newberry Medal was established
This was a HUGE step in progress toward modern-day literature. This medal was created to award excellence in writing and to acknowledge a standard for quality writing. -
Randolph Caldecott Medal established
This honor was created as the U.S. prize for excellence in illustrating children's books. Again, the importance of quality is beginning to be a sought after goal in creating quality literature, even through illustrations. -
The Snowy Day written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
This book was the first Caldecott Award winner that featured an African American protagonist. This is important because it showed progress in recognizing greatness in literature even through diversity. -
The Mildred L. Batchelder Award established
This is an American Library Association (A.L.A.) award for foreign language children's books translated into English. This was worth noting because it encouraged the expansion of access and availability to great literary works from around the world. -
Coretta Scott King Award established
Another A.L.A. award, but this one was created to honor African American writers and illustrators. This shows significant steps toward progress when recognizing the diverse yet quality work of African American authors and illustrators. -
Period: to
Orbis Pictus Award (1990), Michael L. Printz Award (2000), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (2001), Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, and the American Indian Youth Literature Awards (both in 2006) were established and presented
These awards were created to recognize greatness for different genres, reading levels, and different diversities. They are some of the major milestones in literary greatness because they reflect growth and quality standards in all forms of literature. This is important to recognize because there can be literary greatness in all genres of writing. Being open to a more well-rounded diversity can truly make a difference, especially in the lives of young, impressionable children.