Read a wide range of books to explore the thematic differences between 18th and 20th century children's literature. Children's literature in the 18th century often had a religious tone and was usually intended to be morally improving and instructive, sometimes in the form of moral fables. By contrast, 20th century children's books feature more independent children and have a richly diverse range of themes and subject matter. Contemporary children's literature, for example, sometimes has a multicultural element, whereas their 18th century counterparts were written for and about white children.
Compare the books' physical features. Children's books, like all books in the 18th century, were published in traditional hardback form, whereas pop-up books and tactile picture books that communicate information through touch enjoyed widespread popularity in the 20th century. Investigate how the picture books represent a more imaginative and explorative approach to children's stories, compared to the 18th century when children's books' conservative covers often reflected their narrative content.
Select books with a similar theme and compare them. You could, for example, contrast "The Governess or Little Female Academy" by Sarah Fielding, published in 1749 with J. K. Rawling's Harry Potter books, as both have a boarding school theme. Note the various levels of control the children in both books have over their own destiny and how gender is portrayed in each book.