Consumable Reading and Children's Literature: Food, taste and material interactions

Consumable Reading and Children's Literature explores how multisensory experiences enhance early childhood literacy practices through material and sensory interactions, focusing on food-related narratives and the potential of hybrid narratives mimicking synesthesia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Co

Consumable Reading and Children's Literature delves into the captivating realm of how multisensory experiences enrich early childhood literacy practices through material and sensory interactions. By examining embodied engagements that specifically focus on the gustatory experience, particularly the sense of taste, researchers delve into the intricate world of food-related narratives. They scrutinize children's literature and diverse reading scenarios involving consumable objects, packages, tableware, and utensils, shedding light on the interplay between surfaces, the underlying mechanisms that support this literary genre, and emerging media and groundbreaking technologies. This interdisciplinary work draws upon material and surface science, human-computer interaction, arts, and food studies, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge. As innovation and everyday materials converge, the potential for hybrid narratives that mimic synesthesia emerges, sparking discussions on cross-modal learning. This monograph holds immense appeal not only to students, teachers, scholars of children's literature and child development, but also to researchers and practitioners across various artistic and scientific disciplines. It serves as a catalyst for exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between sensory experiences, literature, and child development, paving the way for innovative approaches and creative endeavors.

Weight: 645g
ISBN-13: 9789027211163