DIALOGUES OF IMAGINATION: DECODING “CHILDNESS” IN BURNINGHAM’S „SHIRLEY“

AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Artemis Papailia

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DOI: 10.46793/LLD24.216P

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

This study delves into the concept of “childness” and the role of the implied reader in John Burningham’s Shirley-series, focusing on Come Away from the Water, Shirley (1977) and Time to Get Out of the Bath, Shirley (1978). Burningham uses the artistic form of picturebooks to implement a dual narrative framework that contrasts the mundane activities of Shirley’s parents with her vivid imaginative adventures. In Come Away from the Water, Shirley, the parents’ typical day at the beach is juxtaposed with Shirley’s thrilling pirate escapade. Similarly, Time to Get Out of the Bath, Shirley contrasts the routine of bath time with a fantastic underwater adventure. This study explores how these narratives reflect the natural interplay between reality and imagination in children’s books. It also addresses the dual audience of these picturebooks. Through an analysis of Burningham’s illustrative techniques and narrative structure, the research highlights how his books challenge conventional parental control and celebrate the boundless creativity of children’s imaginations.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

implied reader, childness, John Burningham, picturebooks, children’s literature

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