Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA: Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating
Directing Professor
Hillary Homzie
Abstract
This paper will examine conceptualizations of nature through environmentally themed picture books. While environmentalism is not a new topic for children’s book, recent works reveal changing attitudes toward the impact of human agency on the natural world. These texts provide a microcosmic view of the shift toward “green” kidlit and shows literary depictions of human interactions with nonhuman nature through an ecocritical lens. Specifically, I will look at three approaches to how humans conceive of, impact, and interact with the natural world depicted in children’s literature: observation (as the observable “other”), creation (as a communal resource), and recreation (as urban wildscape). I will then examine how my thesis texts fit within each of those frameworks.
Recommended Citation
Lloyd, Claire M., "Look, Make, Play: The Natural Order in Children’s Books" (2026). Children's Book Writing and Illustrating (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 22.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/childrensmfa/22
Contact Information
claricemlloyd@gmail.com
Purpose Statement
The purpose of preserving this thesis document is to provide a definitive record of student progress upon completion of the degree. This text will not reflect any revisions to the manuscript made after degree completion. For the most current version of the work, please contact its author.
Included in
Book and Paper Commons, Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons, Fiction Commons, Illustration Commons