Children’s literature has its roots deeply planted in conservative moral teaching, and its goal is socialization and, often, conformity to prevailing ideology. Yet one has only to look at many of the exquisite books shown here-from John Amos Comenius’s Orbis Sensualium Pictus of 1658 to those of Beatrix Potter, Arthur Rackham, and Dr. Seuss in the present century-to know that the other great function of children’s books involves the stimulation and liberation of the imagination. Surely, more than any other form of literature and art, illustrated children’s books can be said to respond to the fundamental duality of purpose ascribed to the arts of the Western world: to teach and to delight-docere et delectare.
Pop-Up and Movable Books (History, Timeline, Tour)
The books given to children are meant to mold or train the young mind to the values of their elders. For this reason, children’s literature is often more reflective of the adult society than of the intended readers.
Children’s Literature Publishers
The promise of space became reality with Sputnik. A few years later the much more visible Echo balloon was launched. The newspapers would give instructions on when and where to look for the new manmade moons that passed overhead. I remember going out in the back yard with my father and seeing the satellites smoothly and silently pass by overhead.
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As one began to read, books catered to the expected future. You Will Go to the Moon described in first-grade words how it would be to visit a moon base.
Children’s Space Books
Dreams of Space
Popping Into Space
International Association of Astronomical Artists
NovaSpace
I too remember being in the yard at night with my Dad watching Echo silently fly over.
My cousin had a book that became one of my favorites – You Will Go to the Moon. Go Dog Go is another one of my favorites. These books made reading fun.