“Blind as a bat, lame as a duck, but… smart as a monkey”: Anthropomorphized animals with disabilities in children’s picture books
Type de matériel :
19
Children’s books about disability can be used as a tool in pedagogical situations, particularly as part of inclusive policies. We have identified twenty-eight picture books, published between 2000 and 2016, aimed at children between three and five years old, which present animals with disabilities. We examine the main features of anthropomorphization, the relationships between the disabled protagonist and their social and family network, and the “messages” conveyed by the narrative. The types of representation and the extent of anthropomorphization are varied and complex, so simple and linear effects cannot be expected. The study of the works available on the connection between references to animals and encouragement of pro-social behaviors in children suggests that a careful examination is needed regarding the educational contexts in which such books can be used.
Réseaux sociaux