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It’s significant for children to learn how to connect with others and form genuine relationships. This is precisely why friendship in children’s literature is a usual theme.
Children experience different exciting and foreign events in their lives. Sometimes, these come with lasting memories and consequential impacts that shape their growth. One of these key events will be the day they spark a connection with another, an enduring relationship. Whether it’s at school, a playground, or even at the grocery store while they accompany their parents, building friendships can be a wonderful experience.
This relationship is a considerable matter in children’s lives.
Hence, as early as they can grasp a hold of their reality, children are taught about this concept and its importance. It’s heavily woven in the materials they’re exposed to, a notion parents persistently convey for them to use in their lives. In fact, a significant amount of the books they read are permeated with this theme. Friendship in children’s literature is as typical as romance in young adults. It’s an essential theme most authors understand the importance of sharing.
What Is the Importance of Friendship for Children?
In Castle Forks by Chris Cochrane, the author touches on the significance of friendship even within the family. The story highlights how this bond is able to overcome whatever obstacle. With a genuine connection, the characters can journey through the forest and achieve a goal others would’ve deemed impossible. This book captivates readers not only because of its exciting story and vibrant artwork but also because of the meaningful lesson it carries.
The trust and friendship in Castle Forks reflect the reality children experience. From how they’re formed to the influence they hold, the book captures the essence of friendship in children’s literature.
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But why does this theme hold so much significance?
Friendship in children’s literature is crucial to discuss because it conveys one of the most critical connections people form. It’s the first genuine relationship children establish outside their families, outside the people they were born into. It’s a connection they choose to build and sustain, the first area where they can showcase their social skills.
Children must be introduced to friendship as early as childhood because it sparks their first sense of belongingness. This builds their self-esteem, feeding their sense of identity with affection and positive perception.
What Is Friendship in Literature?
Friends are people who like each other and spend quite a lot of time together. This is the fundamental definition of the relationship everyone wants to share.
Friendship in children’s literature reflects around the same concepts. This theme teaches and captures the changes people go through when genuinely connecting with others. It shows the decisions and sacrifices they must make to build an authentic relationship with one another.
Winnie the Pooh. Clifford and Emily.
Multiple famous friendships in children’s literature teach their audience about different dynamics and what individuals must do to sustain an enduring connection. While promoted for a younger crowd, these characters still capture the essential skills necessary to build genuine relationships.
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Hence, above showing children meaningful connections blooming, friendship in children’s literature also helps build social and emotional skills within the audience.
Authors portray friendships in literature in a similar light to how readers would experience them. From how these connections begin to how they grow, writers capture a good reality in their stories. They ensure that the magic and beauty in these relationships are captured to inspire children to follow suit.
Why Is Friendship in Children’s Literature Important to Tackle?
Given their lack of awareness and experience, friendship in children’s literature is a crucial factor in teaching children how this bond forms. This theme usually involves situations children may face, guiding them to face, resolve, and cope with them.
Books incorporating this also give children meaningful life lessons they can carry with them until they’re older. Friendship in children’s literature can also serve as a guide for children to build the skills they need growing up.
Authors carefully construct their stories to provide readers with insight into other people’s feelings and actions, as well as their own. Numerous studies show that literature is effective in helping children foster empathy and widen their perspective on life.
Reading helps children develop social skills they can apply in their daily endeavors. Hence, themes in literature are the perfect ground for establishing and practicing these characteristics within the audience.
If you’re interested in reading Castle Forks by Chris Cochrane, grab a copy of his book here.
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