Children’s books in Canada: history of development and current issues

Abstract

The article studies the history of the development of children’s books in Canada. The author emphasises the main political, socio-economic and cultural factors that affect this process and form its unique characteristics. The hypothesis that «Canadian cultural identity» cannot yet be defined since it is continually, significantly affected by domestic issues and foreign cultures is proposed and analysed.

The author analyses the historical way of Canadian children’s book development. The different stages of this development are taken into account: from the total domination of foreign children’s books on the Canadian market to the resurrection and reflection of the First Nation people’s history and culture in the new books of Canadian writers. The author suggests that the modern stage of the Canadian Children’s books existence gives these books a power to become an instrument of Canadian cultural identification.

Different concepts of formation of the term Canadian children’s books are evaluated and their commonality and differences are underlined. The author defines the criteria that modern researchers, writers, publishers, cultural foundations and non-profit organizations use to describe the uniqueness of Canadian children’s books.

The system of government and private financial support for Canadian writers, illustrators and publishers is described. The main strategies for support and promotion of Canadian children’s books inside Canada are analysed.