Abstract
This paper is a critical assessment of Chinese literature for children with reference to the People's Republic of China. It reviews literature for children in ancient and modern China. Children in ancient times could enjoy adult literature, mostly based on historical events and figures, of the highly romantic and adventurous kinds. In the post‐revolution era Chinese literature was imitative of the West, using fantasy and animal characterisation. In contemporary China the short story format is popular but realistic fiction is very rare. However, where children's literature excels is illustrations in picture books. Chinese children's picture books provide a visual feast because of the different art forms used, including classical Chinese painting style. Narrative style in picture books and short stories, on the other hand, lacks a child's narrative voice. More successful narration has been achieved by children's writers from elsewhere, e.g. Hong Kong and Taiwan. Contemporary Chinese literature is still rather didactic but there is a move towards fantasy adventure tales.
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