Eigennamen im Kinderbuch

This German-language study examines the linguistic role and literary function of proper names in children's literature, offering a scholarly analysis of how character names shape narrative meaning and reader engagement. Aschenberg's work provides a systematic exploration of naming conventions across various children's book genres, from picture books to middle grade novels, revealing how authors use names to establish identity, cultural context, and thematic depth. The book bridges linguistic theory and literary criticism, making it particularly valuable for students and researchers in both fields who seek to understand the deliberate craftsmanship behind character naming.

What distinguishes this academic work is its careful attention to how proper names function beyond simple identification—serving as cultural markers, symbolic devices, and narrative shortcuts that young readers intuitively grasp. German literature scholars and children's book researchers will find the methodological framework especially useful for analyzing naming patterns across different historical periods and cultural contexts. The study ultimately illuminates how something as seemingly simple as a character's name can carry profound significance in shaping a child's reading experience and understanding of storyworld logic.