Stylistic Features
Typically, blended family literature incorporates features which attempt to help prepare children emotionally and intellectually for dealing with being part of a blended family or of interacting with other children’s blended families. In order to do this, the focus tends to be on how events and family situations affect the main character, usually a child of the same age as the target demographic of the book. This character acts as the focaliser, with all the language attempting to show the emotional impact of the events on the character. Picture books directed as young children will typically use a direct gaze to establish an emotional connection while vibrant colours are used to create a vibrant, happy mood. Typical plot lines, like going on a holiday or having a birthday use these stylistic features to suggest the positive nature of the event.
Blended Families Children's Literature 