The Modern Scholar: Children's Literature Audiobook By Prof. Kimberley Reynolds cover art

The Modern Scholar: Children's Literature

Between the Covers

 Preview
Try for $0.00
Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Audible Plus auto-renews for $7.95/mo after 30 days. Upgrade or cancel anytime.

The Modern Scholar: Children's Literature

By: Prof. Kimberley Reynolds
Narrated by: Prof. Kimberley Reynolds
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $17.19

Buy for $17.19

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

About this listen

In the 21st century, many of the best-known and most influential stories have been conceived for juveniles. In "Children’s Literature", Professor Kimberley Reynolds of Newcastle University delves into the phenomenon and “golden ages” of this remarkably diverse literary genre. Throughout the lectures, Reynolds addresses questions of why children’s literature is so popular and how these extraordinary works have both responded to and helped to shape childhood.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2011 Kimberley Reynolds (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
All stars
Most relevant  
I wanted to hear a lot more on specific texts like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

interesting but not perfect

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Initially, I was disappointed that Kimberley Reynolds lacks the dynamic and conversational style that is so desirable in an Audible course.

But, wait. The information packed into this set of lectures is so interesting and so valuable that I soon forgave, and actually came to like, the rather stiff delivery. This is a serious presentation of the history not only of children's literature but of the changing concept of childhood itself.

Most of us choose books for our children based on what we have enjoyed ourselves, what we think will interest the kids and advance their reading skills, and on the pure entertainment value of the material. This course will likely not change that, but having a more scholarly foundation about the psychological and developmental benefits of reading for young people at different stages will offer a great advantage for parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and others who help children choose appropriate books.

The literature covered includes analysis of books for all ages of childhood, from infancy to young adult. When the subjects got a bit too esoteric for me (mostly in the YA lectures), I found the PDF study guide to be very helpful in deciding which lectures would interest me most. Although the analyses sometimes offer more detail than many of us ultimately want, I believe there is much general and particular information here that will be of interest and value to all parents and literature lovers.

Another benefit is the timely nature of the course. Harry Potter is discussed, as are "The Hunger Games" series. Professor Reynolds touches on new technologies like digital and interactive books and the endless merchandise tie-ins which are peddled to children on the media. There's a bit near the end about the effects of tough economic times on youngsters. This is up-to-date stuff!

Really valuable information here

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.