From Campaigns to Improve the Moral Standards of Children’s Books to their Literary Consecration: The Emergence of an International Sub-Field

This article traces the genesis and development of a transnational, later international, sub-field children’s literature since 1945. In post-war period, was central to debates about moral improvement protection young people. A number individuals drew on legitimacy these moralizing discourses joined forces found three international cultural institutions: International Youth Library in Munich (1949), Board Books for Young People (IBBY, 1951), Bologna Children’s Book Fair (1965). The objectives institutions soon converged towards promotion books. first examines shared network behind them, before analysing changes mechanisms recognition literature.