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The Maturity of Children's Literature by C.S. Fritz
May 9, 2014
COTTONMOUTH AND THE RIVER What is the difference between mature fiction and children's literature? Is it
the closet-filled monsters and things that go bump in the night? Could it be the
lack of romance and sexual tension? Or is it merely that children take the front
stage as the protagonist? Every author would have to agree that in some way, children's literature deals
with the same amount of content mature literature does. Everything from a
depressed donkey in the Hundred-acre Wood, to Aslan's betrayal, we see that
certain pieces call children to ponder and reflect upon the same things we
adults are called to reflect upon. In fact, it was Dr. Joy of Homerton College
who has written numerous pieces on the effects of children's literature who
boldly stated "...these [children's] books can tell us far more about the adult
world than they can about the children's." The point being, some of the greatest short stories and printed work are
children's books which don't hold back any punches. I don't know about you, but
my list of nostalgic books as a child are some of the heaviest in their message
and content. And it was there within those pages as I escape to treasured
islands, that I was being equipped to make my own choices of good and evil.
Witnessing Charlotte spin her web was essentially witnessing imaginative
lectures of vice and virtue. Essentially this isn't a post of an opinion, but
more of gratitude. Because now, as a father I'm truly thankful as I open
hardback books filled with color and share these struggles and victories with my
own children. It was here, in this reflection I set out to create my own
children's book. It was close to two years ago I sat down and like all Pansters,
I just started writing. I had no plot, no antagonists, no ideas just a whole bag
of boredom. Boredom of waiting for children's literature to pass by my desk, so
I could illustrate it, paint it, then print it. But after years of being an
illustrator with no luck of partnering with an author, I became the author.
Desiring to be like the authors of my youth, ones that don't hold back any
punches and with vivd imagination can give cautionary tales in a digestible
form. I can only hope COTTONMOUTH & THE RIVER is
just that. A story of hope and redemption, in a world of fantasy and wonder.
Authors, if you haven't in a while I encourage you to get in your sweats, sit in
your comfiest chair with a glass of boxed wine, grab WIND IN THE WILLOWS and enjoy. Giveaway is a copy of COTTONMOUTH & THE RIVER and
a summer fun swim pack! Tug loves taking Freddie on wild adventures—trips to the moon, building
castles, or catching fireflies with Freddie riding on his wide furry back. When
Freddie finds a mysterious egg, Tug makes him promise never to eat it. But
Freddie is about to discover that broken promises come at a great price. This is the rare children's story—both bold and tender and brimming with
moments of great risk, adventure, and heart. Combining the artistic wonder of
Where the Wild Things Are with the timeless storytelling of The Polar
Express, this story will capture both the imagination and the intelligence
of children and their parents as it sheds light on the power of sin, sacrifice,
and redemption.
Comments
17 comments posted.
Re: The Maturity of Children's Literature by C.S. Fritz
I tend to think that sometimes the so called "children book" have more
things to say than many others. Who knows, this book can be one of
those.~ I'm always curious when it's about books: trying out different kind of
genres opens my mind every time. c:
(Valeria Beccari 3:36pm May 9, 2014)
This sounds like a very well thought out children's adventure story book (a little like a Huckleberry Finn plus). I have always loved reading children's books to my children, probably because my mother always read many stories to me and my sisters and I enjoyed this special reading time so much. I love the cover for your book!
(Linda Luinstra 5:16pm May 9, 2014)
Lovely! Can't wait to buy!
(Diane Pollock 6:30pm May 9, 2014)
you would think with the name snake but soundlike great kid boo i read all and blog on all
(Desiree Reilly 8:34pm May 9, 2014)
This looks so frackin cool! I love the concept and it has me
asking similar questions :D I'd love love love love love to
read this one! I would def get into my sweats and a box of
well not wine but chocolate milk and veg to this one. Cheers
to a fantastic tale!
(Candice Duffey 9:09pm May 9, 2014)
Will a beer do? I already have the sweats, etc. LOL.
Thanks for sharing your book with us. I truly appreciate books with "hope and redemption" and wish there were more of them out there.
(Elaine Seymour 5:23am May 10, 2014)
I am not sure the age of the kids for this book but looks like
grade school but I think my 11 year old granddaughter would
love this adventure book.
(Leona Olson 8:54am May 10, 2014)
I have to commend you for not only being an illustrator,
which is a hard job in itself, but to take on a job as
Author as well!! Your book sounds like quite the adventure,
and I'm sure I'll be whisked back to my childhood when I
read it, although childrens' books are a bit more advanced
nowadays then when they came out when I was young!! I can't
wait to read it, and admire your illustrations!!
Congratulations on such an undertaking!! I'm sure your
children are proud of their Dad!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:12am May 10, 2014)
I love the cover and I agree that some children's books are great messages for adults as well.
(Pam Howell 12:37pm May 10, 2014)
A great story concept and I know my grandchildren would love
this. It reminds me of the Huck Finn series. It is our
imagination that fuels what we do with ourselves and our
children. You have given that the next step and put it into
a book that parents and children will like. Thank you. I
will be getting this book either by wining or buying it.
(Tina Ullrich 11:35pm May 10, 2014)
thanks for the contest your offering for it looks very interesting.
(Gloria Vigil 8:33am May 11, 2014)
I used to work as an assistant in a school so I love children's books! Your new release sounds so magical!
(Susan Coster 1:15pm May 11, 2014)
It sounds like a great story... My son is 10 and loves all the
boy classics, treasure island, wind in the willows, My side of
the Mountain, huck finn, and oliver twist are on his book
shelf along with all Rick Riordan books. Thank you for the
chance
(Jeannie Platt 3:12pm May 11, 2014)
ike i siad and then the books look great i relaly like it
(Desiree Reilly 5:38pm May 11, 2014)
would love to win for my nieces and nephew
PICK ME!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 5:51pm May 11, 2014)
My grand daughter would love this book!
(Denise Austin 6:43pm May 11, 2014)
My kids love to read! We have an extensive library due to homeschooling,
and have a hard time finding books they haven't read!
(Michelle Schafer 7:15pm May 11, 2014)
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