2. Children’s Literature

When dealing with the translation of children’s literature, it is necessary to understand what children’s literature is. So far, there have been no rigid or absolute definitions. The expression is a fuzzy combination of two notions that are, inpidually, vague and vagary. Some people argue that children’s literature is paradoxical, and that literature requires a cultivated audience. Some people define it as literature written for children, literature marketed for children or literature picked up and read by children. As discussed, academics and critics working in literary fields have been frustrated in their efforts to fix a clear definition for children’s literature. Children literature refers to “the literature is relevant to the children’s age and suitable for children to read. As well, the literature is conducive to children’s physical and mental health development and can be of various forms.” (Chen Zidian, 2003: 43) 文献综述

According to the New Encyclopedia Britannica, children’s literature is a comparatively recent phenomenon, having emerged as a distinct and independent form only in the second half of the 18th century, when people were convinced that children were different from adults—different enough to read their own special texts. Childhood has not been considered as an important time of life for a long time. When society looked upon children as little adults who must rapidly step into the roles of parents, children had little time and need to read relevant to a nonexistent childhood. The social attitude towards children changed and their childhood began to be viewed as a special part of their life. Finally, children’s literature came into existence.