A free talk at The Hive will uncover the surprising moral and political messages woven into the children’s books we grew up loving.
Professor Jean Webb, a University of Worcester expert in International Children’s Literature, will lead the session, titled “Not Just Kids Stuff: What writing for Children Says About Life” at 5pm on Wednesday, March 11.
They’re the books that let us step into worlds of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, but beneath the magic, these stories often carry powerful messages.
Part of a series of weekly talks and workshops by the University’s experts in the Department of English, Media and Culture, which continues over the coming weeks, Professor Webb will explore how children’s authors have used fiction to shape attitudes and spark conversations about issues from injustice and race to the environment.
“I’m aiming to show how children’s authors have something to say, that they want to make a difference in some way, and they want to give children knowledge, experience, confidence, and a sense also of empowerment that they can make a difference,” said Professor Webb.
She added: “Writing for children helps shape the attitudes and perspectives they carry into adulthood. Young readers might later reject these ideas or build on them, but they’re highly influential in how children begin to think and see the world.”
Professor Webb explains that children’s books have always carried social and political messages, often subtly through storytelling. Her talk will span the genre’s history and feature authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Michael Morpurgo, highlighting themes like injustice, discrimination, race, disability and the environment.
She said: “I wanted to highlight moments in the history of children’s literature that show how writers have engaged with society, sometimes challenging it, sometimes reinforcing it, and how their stories can influence attitudes or spark change.”
The event is free, but places must be booked. Visit the Worcestershire County Council’s library events webpage:
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/libraries/library-events-and-activities.