The role of illustrated literature in children's development

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the role of illustrated literature in children’s development, specifically its impact on cognitive, psychological, and social awareness. Based on Erikson’s and Piaget’s psychological research and theories, my study seeks to highlight the great influence of illustrated literature on young minds, contributing to a better understanding of early development and educational methods. The study uses a mixed-methodologies approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods via a "written interview". The precious information provided by professional figures such as an illustrator, a publisher, and a teacher highlighted the cognitive benefits of illustrated literature, such as improved language acquisition and literacy skills, hand in hand with the use of this object through personal experience as parental figures. Likewise, the emotional connection created by vivid drawings helps children developing empathy, emotional intelligence and gaining new perspectives. The growing popularity of screens and technological items has led to concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's well-being. Innovative solutions that I will develop in this thesis, such as Famlinky, will combine the draw of illustrated narrative with the accessibility of smartphone apps. Famlinky wants to revive children's love of reading by using digital media to offer fresh and engaging reading experiences. This study also explores the impact of many elements, such as graphic style, narrative complexity, and cultural representations. All of this was adapted to my unique artistic style and creative process, which resulted in the creation of the design of app’s interfaces, an original story and an illustrated digital book adapted for smartphone screens. This dissertation highlights the crucial role of illustrated literature in creating children's developmental methods, highlighting its ability to spark imagination, promote empathy, and improve sociocultural awareness. This dissertation contributes to current discussions about children's literature, education, and human development, benefitting the creating of a more inclusive and supportive society.