Chapbook research - children's stories.

During creative media classes we were asked to create a chapbook as our second project of the term. I decided to write a chapbook designated for younger children, and I started researching basic literary devices used in a children's books. As a mother I come across children stories quite often, they could even be found at my night table as I like to read together with my daughter before the bed time.

The book we're reading at the moment is "Alice in Wonderland" and while thinking of this book, I can number some literary devices clearly visible in the book. 

• simile - is a form of comparing one thing to another. Similes use "like" and "as" to explain the similarities.
• personification - when animal or an object is given a human qualities. It makes the text more exciting to the young audience. In "Alice in Wonderland" it's one of the most common forms, we can see animals behaving like humans, objects with faces and human qualities.
• metaphor - way of explaining or giving a view on something, it might not be exact but it gives the audience the idea or the point.
• Imagery - it is a language technique that uses details of the sensory language ( i.e. taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound) to help the reader imagine the world.
• Hyperbole - language exaggeration.

"The Queen turned crimson with fury, and, after glaring at her for a moment like a wild beast, screamed “Off with her head! Off with—”

“Nonsense!” said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was silent." (Lewis, 2010)

• Symbolism - using symbols to describe or give something deeper meaning or quality.
• Motif - it is a pattern or the idea that repeats in the story.

As I already started writing all three stories, I can say that I am using simile, personification, metaphors and hyperboles. I will be using a motif in all three stories, the motif will exaggerate the main theme of the chapbook.

Thinking about the genre and audience of the book it will need to include numerous illustrations. I am not an illustrator, therefore I will be using pictures and drawings created for the book by AI app, just to make it look like a real children's book. I will be also using illustrations created by my daughter as she is my first reader and the book is made for her.

References:

Lewis, C. (2010) "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass and what Alice found there" New York: Chartwell Group,

Teacher Ingram (2016) Elements of Children's Literature Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j85U3SKtIX8 (accessed; 15/02/2024)

Kindle Preneur (2020) How to Write a Children's Book: 8 EASY STEPS! Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTQKc55ToCc (Accessed: 15/02/2024)