Postwar Children's Literature
Nel (2007) shows that the wartime experiences of authors Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Philip D. Eastman, and Munro Leaf shaped their successful postwar children's books, especially the use of simple language, and some of the themes. Dr. Seuss wrote the famous 'The Cat in the Hat' (1957) because Geisel believed the widely-used "Dick and Jane" primers were too boring to encourage children to read. Geisel, Eastman and Leaf authored books designed to promote personal responsibility, conservation, and respect for multiculturalism, though they were ambiguous about racism and sexism. Geisel's characters were often portrayed as rebels who displayed independence of mind. Eastman's characters, on the other hand, typically embraced the wisdom of authority figures. Leaf's heroes, were in between, and seemed more ambiguous toward independence and authority, according to Nel.
Read more about this topic: Private Snafu
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