Sometimes we forget that books do not only serve to learn how to read, but to learn how to feel, to understand others, and to imagine worlds where everything is possible. Children's literature is not a minor genre; in many ways, it is the first refuge where we discover who we are.
How did it all start? For centuries, childhood did not exist as we understand it today. Children listened to the same stories as adults around the fire: folk tales, legends, and myths full of harshness and warnings. There were no books created exclusively for them.
It was not until the 17th century, with authors like Charles Perrault in France, that these oral tales (Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella) began to be collected and adapted for a young audience. Later, in the 18th century, figures like John Newbery in England understood that children's books should not only educate, but also entertain and amuse.
By the 19th century, the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen consolidated the children's story, paving the way for the golden age of illustrated literature with works like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Since then, children's literature has evolved into a vibrant, diverse space full of empathy.
The great benefits of reading from childhood Opening a book with a child is giving them a tool for life. Among its greatest benefits are:
Development of empathy: Putting themselves in the shoes of characters with different lives, cultures, or realities teaches them to understand the world through tolerance and respect.
Emotional management: Stories offer a safe environment to explore fears, doubts, losses, or joys, helping them name what they feel.
Stimulation of creativity and language: It expands their vocabulary, strengthens their ability to express themselves, and awakens an unlimited imagination.
Bonding and meeting point: Reading together creates unforgettable intergenerational moments where active listening and dialogue are the true protagonists.
Children's literature is that magical door that reminds us that, no matter how complex the world is, there will always be a story waiting to give us answers... or to teach us how to ask better questions.
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