The Portrayal of Older People in Award-winning Literature for Children

Abstract

Abstract This study extended previous research on picture books receiving the prestigious Caldecott Medal by examining illustrations for the portrayal of older adult characters. Comparison of the 1972–1983 and 1984–1995 groups of Caldecott winners revealed significant changes in the depiction of older people in the more recent group of award books. Recent books portray them in a more positive manner. In addition, only two significant gender differences in a field of 36 possibilities were found over the entire 23-year period of Caldecott award-winners. Implications are drawn regarding the important role picture books play in the construction of young readers' positive attitudes toward old age and older people.