The Distinctive Features and Theoretical Foundations of Children's Literature

Children's literature occupies a unique position within literary studies due to its dual role as both an artistic form and an educational instrument. It contributes significantly to children's cognitive, emotional, moral, and linguistic development while simultaneously reflecting social and cultural values. This article examines the distinctive features and theoretical foundations of children's literature from literary, psychological, and pedagogical perspectives. Through qualitative analysis of scholarly literature, the study explores the historical development of children's literature, its defining characteristics, and major theoretical approaches. The findings indicate that children's literature differs from adult literature in terms of language, narrative structure, thematic content, characterization, and educational function. Furthermore, contemporary theories emphasize the active role of child readers in interpreting iterary texts. The article highlights the importance of integrating literary aesthetics with developmental appropriateness to create meaningful literary experiences for young readers.