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Resources: Authors
DR. LYNNE REISER
Psychoanalyst and Author of EARTHDANCE: The Creation of a Children's Picture Book
Dr. Reiser spoke about the creative process involved in the creation of an illustrated book for children, with examples from her book EARTHDANCE. Her colleague, Dr. Kirsten Dahl, discussed some of the psychological factors underpinning a successful children's book.
- This book deals with the successful separation and reunion of a little girl from her mother, who works as an astronaut.
- It shows her identification with the strong, productive mother figure.
The books are magnificently illustrated by the author herself, who has great access to the emotional world of a young child.
Dr. Kirsten Dahl stressed how children's books enhance emotional and cognitive development.
When parents read books to their children they become more empathic with the emotional challenges in the lives of young children. The story of EARTHDANCE presents an excellent springboard for discussion about parental concerns regarding appropriate and gradual separation from the mothering figure for children, and also issues of role conflict and the challenge of integrating mothering with work for career women. Looking at stories such as this one helps understand such psychoanalytic concepts as mastery and sublimation in successful story books for children.
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