Once upon a time, a long, long time ago storytelling for children was dominated by magical kingdoms, brave knights, and fire-breathing dragons. Fairytales have long been the foundation of children’s books, shaping young minds with timeless themes of good versus evil, resilience, and justice and at times concentrating on extremely scary themes...yikes!
However, as the world evolves, so too must the stories we tell. Today’s young generation of readers are growing up in an era vastly different from those of their parents and grandparents, and their needs and expectations of what they want to read is shifting and is much, much more complex.
To keep pace, authors and publishers need to work hard at writing innovative narratives that speak of modern realities, complexities, and the diversity of human experience.
I will explore some of the changes that are being made that are resonating with today’s younger discerning readers.
The Always Changing Landscape of Children's Books
Children's books have come a long way since the days of the 18th century Brothers’ Grimm's collection of tales or Hans Christian Andersen’s stories originally collected for adults.
Fairy tales: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood are among the first stories many children hear: filled with magical events, wicked stepmothers, romantic tales, and the victory of good over evil, they have captured imaginations for generations.
The original versions of these well-known fairy tales were much, much darker, based on European folk stories, often intended as parables with a moral lesson, they included harsh punishments, cruel parents, and children being eaten by wild animals – great for bedtime!
The Brothers Grimm were the ones who transformed these grim old tales into popular, family-friendly stories, and although their fairy tales have also been enhanced and reimagined over time, their influence endures to this day.
Classic Fairy Tales
Many children know classic fairy tales thanks to Walt Disney's films. The first full-length Disney film was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1938. Although some of the story's more violent elements were removed since the Brothers Grimm first published it, the film still maintained a fairly dark tone.
The Disney studios adapted many more fairy tales from the collections of Perrault and the Brothers Grimm. Today, the artwork by Disney’s animators and screenwriters have shaped our perceptions and portrayals of these fairytale characters and stories.
While traditional fairytales hold a special place in literary history, they rely on tropes and archetypes that are extremely outdated within the context of today...or even the 1950's.
Many classic fairytales involve passive heroines who are saved by male protagonists, often reinforcing gender roles which are moribund.
In the 21st century, young readers, parents and carers are demanding stories that reflect their realities: multicultural societies, non-traditional family structures, and the empowerment of individuals regardless of gender, race, or background.
A report by Common Sense Media points out, children today consume a much broader range of stories, often seeking narratives that go beyond simplistic good-versus-evil conflicts to explore themes of identity, social justice, and emotional intelligence.
This shift is leading to a transformations in how we think about children’s books.
Why Writing Innovative Narratives Matter for Young Minds
Storytelling is more than just entertainment, it’s a vehicle for learning, empathy, and emotional growth.
Research by the American Psychological Association highlights the importance of diverse narratives in helping children develop social and cognitive skills.
When young readers encounter characters who look, think, and act differently from the way they do, it broadens their perspective and enhances their ability to empathise with others.
Storytelling can also serve as a mirror
Storytelling can also serve as a mirror for children to see themselves reflected in books. For marginalised or underrepresented groups, finding a character who shares their cultural background, family dynamics, or personal struggles can be deeply affirming.
As noted in a study by Rudine Sims Bishop, known for her concept of “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors” in literature, stories should offer both windows into other worlds and mirrors that reflect our own experiences.
Crafting Stories for the Digital Age
The rise of technology has not only changed how children access stories but also what kinds of stories they engage with.
In the digital age, narratives are often interactive and nonlinear, encouraging readers to participate rather than simply observe. This is particularly evident in the popularity of choose-your-own-adventure books and interactive e-books, which allow readers to shape the narrative based on their decisions.
Additionally, children are exposed to stories across multiple platforms from books to video games, from social media to streaming services.
This multi-platform storytelling presents an exciting opportunity for authors and creators to create narratives that are not confined to a single medium.
The National Literacy Trust, report that children who engage with stories in both traditional and digital formats show greater enthusiasm for reading and improved literacy skills.
Writers today need to be mindful of how narratives can extend beyond the page and create immersive worlds that engage readers in new ways.
Expanding the Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell’s “hero’s journey” framework, popularised in stories like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, have been a mainstay of Western storytelling.
However, authors are increasingly challenging and expanding this framework to create more inclusive and varied narratives.
The hero’s journey traditionally centres on an individual’s quest for personal growth, often in isolation. Yet, as society becomes more interconnected, stories that focus on collaboration, community, and shared growth are resonating more strongly with young readers.
For example, books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio, which tells the story of a boy with facial differences navigating school life, emphasize the importance of kindness and collective support over individual heroism.
Similarly, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas tackles issues of race and police brutality, but it does so through a lens of community and activism, showing that the hero’s journey can be a collective experience rather than a solitary one.
Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Narrative
Readers are increasingly interested in narratives that explore emotional depth and mental well-being.
As awareness around issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma grows, it is understandable that books aimed at young people are incorporating these themes.
Books like Inside Out and The Sad Book by Michael Rosen provide a way for children to process difficult emotions safely and constructively.
Emphasis on Emotional Intelligence
This emphasis on emotional intelligence helps readers navigate their emotional landscapes while building empathy for others.
A recent government publication, shows that stories which engage with emotional challenges can improve a child’s ability to understand and manage their feelings, which is a critical skill for personal and academic success.
Diverse Characters, Diverse Voices
One of the most significant movements in modern children’s books is the push for diversity and representation.
This is not just about including characters of different races, genders, and abilities, but also about elevating the voices of authors from diverse backgrounds. Authentic representation requires that stories be told by those who have lived the experiences they are writing about.
Books like The Crossover, published by Anderson Press, 2014 by Kwame Alexander have been celebrated for providing fresh, authentic perspectives on race identity.
They stand as examples of how diverse voices can bring new dimensions to children’s literature, making it richer and more reflective of the world we live in.
In an era where inclusivity is paramount, writing stories that represent a wide range of experiences is crucial to fostering a more equitable literary landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Children’s Narratives
As we move further into the 21st century, the stories we tell our children will continue to evolve.
Authors will likely draw inspiration from the pressing global issues of our time, climate change, disinformation, Artificial Inteligence, social justice, multiple wars, and technological advancement, while still writing narratives that entertain, engage, and inspire.
The role of the storyteller is to adapt, innovate, and respond to the needs of the next generation of readers, offering them not just tales of far-off lands and magical creatures but also meaningful insights into the world they inhabit.
Fairytales will always have their place in storytelling, but as we look beyond the traditional, we open the door to stories that are more inclusive, nuanced, and reflective of the increasingly complex world in which we live.
The next generation of readers deserves narratives that challenge them to think critically, empathise deeply, and engage with the world in meaningful ways. And it is up to today’s writers to write these stories with care, creativity, and a vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.
A New Era of Storytelling
In this new era of storytelling, it’s clear that the next generation of readers will not be satisfied with simplistic narratives.
They will seek stories that mirror their experiences in a diverse and original way, challenge societal norms, and offer opportunities for growth and reflection. By expanding beyond traditional fairytales, we not only nurture the imaginations of young readers but also equip them with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
As writers and creators, we have the exciting opportunity—and responsibility—to shape the future of children’s books in ways that are innovative, inclusive, and impactful.
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