A Review By Christine Doyle

Talking Animals in Children's Fiction: A Critical Study

A Review by Christine Doyle

McFarland, March 25, 2015 - Literary Criticism - 268 pages

Catherine Elick has crafted an intelligent and multifaceted study of talking animals in children's literature. Through detailed analysis of classic works such as Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, Elick explores the ways in which these anthropomorphic characters reflect and shape our understanding of the natural world and our place within it.

Elick argues that talking animals serve a wide range of functions in children's literature, from teaching moral lessons to providing comfort and companionship. They can also be used to explore complex themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of growing up. By examining the way that talking animals are portrayed in different literary contexts, Elick sheds light on the values and beliefs that shape our society.

Of particular interest is Elick's discussion of the ways in which talking animals have been used to convey anticruelty messages since the 18th century. From Anna Sewell's Black Beauty to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, talking animals have played a vital role in raising awareness about the plight of animals and promoting compassion towards all living creatures. This aspect of Elick's study is especially timely, given the growing concern about animal welfare and the environment.

In Talking Animals in Children's Fiction, Catherine Elick has produced a thought-provoking and insightful work that will be of interest to scholars, educators, and anyone who loves children's literature. Her nuanced analysis of talking animals provides a fresh perspective on the genre and its enduring appeal.