Children's Literature as a Language and Literature Language Tool

Children's literature is the best literature read by children with various characteristics, themes, and formats (Sarumpet, 2010: 2). Children's literature is written from the point of view of children which reflects the feelings and experiences of children. There is four things related to children's literature. 

First, children's literature is literature that is deliberately aimed at children, such as Bobo, Mentari, etc. Second, children's literature contains stories that describe children's experiences, understandings, and feelings. Third, children's literature is literature written by children. Fourth, children's literature is literature that contains moral or educational values that are beneficial for children. 

From some of the descriptions above, it can be concluded that children's literature is an imaginative work in the form of language containing experiences, feelings, and thoughts of children which is specifically intended for children, written by both children and adult authors.

• GENRE

The genre of children's literature can be classified like the genre of adult literature. According to Winarni (2014: 9) children's literature can be classified into three types, namely poetry, prose, and drama.

• BENEFITS OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

Literary works have benefits for their readers. In terms of its intrinsic elements, literary works are useful for (1) giving fun, joy, and enjoyment to children, (2) developing children's imaginations and helping them consider and think about nature, life, experiences or ideas.

• CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AS A LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE LEARNING TOOL

Literature can function as a means of entertainment as well as a medium for educating a child. Literature can meet the needs or personal satisfaction of children and the development of language skills. Children's personal satisfaction after reading literary works is important. In addition to influencing reading skills, literary works also serve to develop children's insight. The function of literary works as a developer of language skills can be referred to as educational value.

Children's literature is literature aimed at children so that children get many benefits that are useful for life in the future. Children's literature has several genres that are actually almost the same as literature in general, such as prose, poetry, and drama. Children's literature has several different characteristics from adult literature. Children's literature plays a role in language learning. In addition, children's literature also has a role to grow character through the characters in the story. Thus, parents are expected to pay attention to the types of reading that are appropriate to the child's age.