LSSL 5385: Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Traditional Literature

The term “traditional literature” acts as an umbrella term for stories derived from oral storytelling. The setting for many of these stories is vague, contain an archetype and/or stereotype and recurring patterns or elements such as magic. Myths, legends, folktales, and fables are all examples of traditional literature.

The textbook for the children’s literature course went into detail about the different genres within traditional literature. It was fascinating to learn the different characteristics that made up each term. Legends have always confused me and I now have a better understanding of those types of stories. Learning about “noodlehead tales” was especially entertaining because I had never heard the term before.
In Vardell’s textbook Children’s Literature in Action, she states “Also, don’t assume that all traditional tales are suitable for young children just because they are in picture book form” (pg 87). This is important to remember because while children are smarter than we give them credit for something, they still may not have the maturity level needed for some matters. For example, fairy tales are often more gruesome than what Disney reveals to their audiences. Some children are not prepared for Ariel to commit suicide or to watch evil stepsisters purposefully cut their feet to fit into a pair of shoes.
Many traditional tales have no authors, but by recording them within picture books and more, the stories should continue on for generations to come.


Citation:
Vardell, S. (2014). Children's literature in action : a librarian's guide. Santa Barbara, California: Libraries Unlimited, An Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.