Revisiting the classics: series of adaptations for children

Abstract

The contribution analyses the now consolidated phenomenon of adaptations of literary classics in children’s publishing, with the aim of making them accessible to a very young audience. These re-writings, often published in series, serve a dual purpose: on one hand, they promote access to works of high cultural value, and on the other, they strengthen the credibility and authority of publishing houses in the eyes of parents and teachers. Sure enough the audience has changed profoundly over the years, forcing adaptations to update their characteristics and adjust to the cognitive and emotional needs of today’s young readers. According to AIE data, the children’s publishing sector remains vibrant and rich in new proposals, but it must contend with the growing use of other forms of entertainment, such as social media – narrative platforms that offer quick, immediate content, often consumed in a massive and immersive way. The challenges arising from changes in text comprehension abilities and concentration on reflective activities have led publishers to introduce graphic and paratextual elements, such as games, balloons and illustrations, to make texts more engaging and to lighten style and themes. Authors, often selected from leading figures in children’s literature, strive to maintain fidelity to the original text in terms of atmosphere and rhythm. Other rewriters, on the other hand, are inspired by the original works to create retellings and spin-offs, often targeted at a middle grade and young adult audience. The origin of these practices dates back to ancient times, although the distinction between adult and children’s literature became significant only in the 20th century, when the emergence of pedagogical and psychological studies highlighted the need for a literary production specifically designed for the needs of young readers. It was precisely during this time that editorial projects destined to make history were launched. A notable example was “La Scala d’Oro” by UTET, an encyclopedic series launched in the 1930s that offered re-writings of classics, categorized by the readers; age, text complexity, and themes. Specifically, the article presents several book series currently on the market. Among them are the small, colourful formats from Gallucci and Edizioni EL, the serialization of Disney’s "Great Parodies" and Geronimo Stilton’s classics, and inclusive offerings like "I Classici con la CAA" from Erickson, designed for readers with special needs. Therefore, the adaptation of classics continues to play a key role in introducing new enerations to literature, with the hope of creating strong middle-grade readers in the future.