Format: ORAL

Prof. Dr. Verity Jones

University of the West of England, Bristol

In this contribution I will theorise the importance of children’s picture books as spaces for interaction and awareness with plants. I will reflect on the new and more traditional genres within children’s literature and how plants have been used (and abused) within them before critically reviewing a selection of popular children's fiction found in the five most popular supermarkets in England. One in five children’s books in the UK are purchased at supermarkets and the selection of books in this study includes some of the most well-known and current popular titles. Following content analysis of a sample of these books (for audiences of c.5-10 year olds) I will highlight how plants are being represented in different ways, who (if anyone) is seen as responsible for these plants, what the impact of the plants are to the story, and how accurately they are represented (both through text and illustration). I will then consider the potential impacts these representations may be having on young audiences and the challenges children’s authors and illustrators are faced with. Final comments will suggest ways in which teachers and teacher trainers might choose and use books in order to support young people navigate plant awareness.