Once Upon a Time

I never realized how profoundly the books that were read to me as a child influenced my developing personality until as an adult, I began to rediscover favorite tales as I read them to my own children. But through my grown eyes, I have discovered depth, silliness, and brilliance that were lost on me (at least consciously) as a child.

As a culture, we've come a long way from the scary harshness of Brothers Grimm, and we're even growing out of the old school Disney princess, who, unable to save herself, relies on the help of a trusty prince to handle grisly details. While all of these stories are still floating around, there's a new wave of children's books where males and females are equally competent. Girls can be strong, smart, and adventurous, as in Fancy Nancy, Once Upon a Time in the Meadow, Dora the Explorer and the Little Einsteins, without belittling or excluding the boys.

As a parent, this is such a relief to have in the mix. How much do the stories children hear influence who they become and how they think as adults? As a parent, I couldn't help but wonder. I have known many intelligent and strong women who were unable to see themselves as such because of their cultural influences. And I have known men who were unable to deal with a woman who had an identity of her own because it was too far off of their conceptual brain maps.

In a study done at Worcester State College, preschool children were found to routinely choose toys that were stereotypically gender appropriate after hearing stereotypical stories. Conversely, they chose neutral and non-gender specific toys to play with after hearing non-stereoptypical stories. The effect of gender role perceptions are profoundly influenced by the stories children hear: this is well documented. But how much do stories affect who our children become, how they see the world, and what they believe is possible?

One sure way to investigate this question can be found in a fascinating look at the early literary influence of the author, Dylan Thomas. What better evidence of children's stories on a human being than a look into the early literary influences of a prolific writer? Much of his psyche and his life are available for examination of influence, as Beth Greenway so aptly points out in her article in Children's Literary Association Quarterly. She raises a valid question in her article, asking why we don't look deeper into the childhood influences that help form the adults our children will become.

What were your most influential children's stories? What would you read to your children, and what might you skip?

Follow Olivia Rosewood on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OliviaRosewood

Comments

[FelipeL]

Now that I think about it. I think some of the most influential books growing up were the Great Brain books by John Fitzgerald, maybe they subconciously led me into the business world because the protagonist was always trying to make a buck. Books that we started reading to our children were the Thomas and Friends books but now we avoid them because we feel that the trains don't speak nicely to eachother and poke fun at one another.

[crtcl]

I have to agree with you about Thomas and Friends. They're not so friendly in the books. My children picked up some fighting words from just a couple of reads, so we phased those out.

[Olivia Rosewood - Huffpost Blogger]

I will have to check out the Great Brain books. I've never heard of them--probably helpful in these economic times to help our children to enjoy business.

[crtcl]

Yes, children's stories have come a long way. Not only are modern story books (like the "Dora" series) more compatible for little girls and boys, they are more socially and culturally significant. Not only are the characters more intelligent and self sufficient, they represent a more cohesive portrait of society, a society not populated solely by blond, anglo beauties. The selection of children's books offered to parents in this era contain stories and images for every child and almost every situation.

[Olivia Rosewood - Huffpost Blogger]

I agree. We're fortunate to live in this time when there is so much to choose from when it comes to reading to our children.

[intrstd - Huffpost Blogger]

I have always felt that silly books are the best medicine for children. Yes, you can preach, you can try to teach, but anything that can make a child giggle has a lasting impression, and becomes a source of fun. We love Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss--anything by Dr. Seuss. And Sandra Boynton has got the silly thing down, as well.

[Olivia Rosewood - Huffpost Blogger]

Dr. Seuss gets pretty deep in some of his books--like the Lorax. His words are still fun, but he tells the story of extinction, pollution, greed, remorse. What a brilliant writer.