Communication of a distinct New Zealand identity : a content analysis of children's book illustrations within the New Zealand fantasy genre, 1890-1978

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to uncover the subjects in children's fantasy books that communicate a distinct New Zealand national identity. This was conducted through a content analysis of children's book illustrations within the New Zealand fantasy genre, with New Zealand settings. The population comprised those books of the fantasy genre, listed in A sea change: 145 years of New Zealand junior fiction (Gilderdale 1982, 243-271), published between 1890-1978, which contain illustrations, and are available to the public. Using a list of predetermined criteria, the aim was to find out how the young New Zealanders' national identity is portrayed through the traditionally European fantasy genre, through a content analysis of primarily the illustrations of children's books from that genre. These results were entered on spreadsheets and displayed visually in graphs. Through an analysis of their development in illustrations, certain kinds of subjects were found to be popular, and some were adapted in a distinctly New Zealand way. Overall, these subjects are highly detailed, regardless of country of publication. An analysis of the subjects over nine decades revealed highs and lows in popularity. In conclusion, the subjects of national identity illustrated in New Zealand children's fantasy books convey a national identity for young New Zealanders.