Parenthood is one of life’s hardest endeavors. It involves raising kids, attending PTA meetings, dealing with the consequences our children are too young to understand. And although parents will tell you that it’s worth it, those very same parents will, at times, ask themselves why they got into the mess to begin with.

Even so, it’s the very concept of parenthood that inspires many writers. Parenthood shows a certain magic in childhood that pushes adults to protect their children from the cruelties of the world, an instinct that writers have painstakingly tried to emulate in their works. In fact, it’s the reason why children’s literature is so popular right now. Why we emphasize the importance of early childhood reading, why it’s so crucial for children to build up their imaginations.

The concept of “childhood” began during the Industrial Revolution. Children were often expected to work in the factories to support their families by cleaning machinery and doing other menial tasks. Education for children wasn’t a priority since it was important for children to contribute financially to the family. It wasn’t until the Victorian Age that things start to change. Social reform permeated into the general population. Laws such as the Forster’s Education Act were passed in order to keep children from working too much. The term “children’s literature” started circulating as a way to show why it was important for children to learn, all the while perpetuating the assumption that all children were innocent, that they could be molded into something greater. However, because the text was a bit dry, many writers were paired with illustrators to make the story more enjoyable. As a result, children’s literature blossomed in popularity.

Much of parental attitudes are reflected in children’s literature. Children were often thought of as a blessing, small individuals that needed to be protected and cared for. Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland served as a way to spark a child’s imagination. R.L Stine’s Goosebumps gave way to delightful stories used to scare children and show the dangers of what happens when parents are either neglectful or overbearing. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak illustrates the importance of a child’s imagination, as well as a child’s place in the home. But more than that, children’s stories have lessons that many parents believe should pass down to their children. These lessons may include morality, justice, and even simple reading skills. In fact, many psychologists emphasize the importance of parents reading to their kids.

Writers who are parents themselves often think of their own children or younger loved ones whenever they pick up a pen. It’s a way to teach children, and to inspire them to learn, no matter where they are or who they’re with. But more importantly, the literature shows that adults, especially parents, do care about what happens to children. That no matter what, children are still a special part of society.