THE UNDER-REPRESENTATION AND PORTRAYAL OF ANXIETY IN CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

Abstract

My thesis will focus on the importance of the portrayal of anxiety in children’s picture books and the lack of material that children have access to. This paper will explore the issue and offer insights to why it is important to address this topic and its importance to children. I will also provide data on the books that are available to children in my community of Tucson, Arizona, including the Pima County Library system as well as books available to children in classrooms. Through this investigation I will explore what gaps are still left when it comes to the availability of children’s book’s portraying anxiety. I will also discuss the current portrayal of anxiety and how this helps or hinders children’s and adult’s understanding of anxiety in children.