Once Upon a Time
From Charlotte鈥檚 Web to the present day, a look at how children鈥檚 literature tackles loss and grief. What can we learn from children themselves?
In Charlotte鈥檚 Web, Wilbur the pig has to accept his best friend Charlotte is dying.
鈥淚鈥檓 done for," she replied. "In a day or two I'll be dead. I haven't even the strength enough to climb down into the crate."
E B White鈥檚 classic was published in 1952. Inspired by personal events, Mel Harris sets out to find out about some of the books available to children who are facing death and bereavement. Where are the contemporary alternatives to Charlotte's Web? What solace and support might children find in literature today? Can sad books also be funny? She talks to writers and storytellers, including our new Children鈥檚 Laureate Joseph Coelho. And she talks to children too.
Contributors: Sue Hollingsworth, Myra Bluebond-Langner, Sally Nicholls, Esther Pittello, Joseph Coelho and Georgia Nasseh, with special thanks to the children involved.
Produced and presented by Mel Harris
Research by Tess Davidson
Executive Production by Geoff Bird
Sound Design by Eloise Whitmore
A Sparklab production for 成人论坛 Radio 4
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Broadcasts
- Thu 15 Sep 2022 11:30成人论坛 Radio 4
- Tue 4 Oct 2022 16:00成人论坛 Radio 4