Beowulf as Children’s Literature

This scholarly collection examines the surprisingly robust tradition of adapting the Old English epic Beowulf for younger audiences, tracing over 150 versions created for children and teens across more than a century. The essays delve into the history and creative processes behind these adaptations, analyzing how authors and illustrators have manipulated the original story's narrative, tone, and darker elements to make it suitable and engaging for young readers. It provides a fascinating look at how a complex medieval poem is continually reinterpreted for new generations.

The book stands out by focusing specifically on the literary and pedagogical mechanics of adaptation, making it an invaluable resource for educators, librarians, and scholars of children's literature. By systematically exploring how different versions handle the poem's inherent violence and mature themes, it offers critical insights for adults curating introductions to classic literature. This thoughtful analysis ultimately illuminates the enduring power of the Beowulf story and the art of making ancient tales accessible to the modern child.