The beginning: children's literature and the origin of the world

Summary

This survey of literature focusing on the origin of the universe suggests that people from ancient to modern-day cultures have used their creative powers to probe the mysteries of the universe. The imagination of humans has motivated the development of myths as well as scientific study.

The many explanations for the origins of the universe indicate a timeless search linking the past through fanciful, incomplete explanations found in mythology and early studies of scientists to the present and the future, through ongoing multidsciplinary investigations of scientists.

This review of the literature indicates that several beautifully illustrated biblical accounts of the creation story are available, but there is a scarcity of simply told myths. Researched decorative motifs, such as the Dillons' illustrations in Belting's collectionWhirlwind Is a Ghost Dancing and the illustrations of native artists, contribute to the appeal and understanding of myths. Current periodicals seem to be the most up-to-date source for the conclusions of scientific investigations concerning the creation of the universe. However, for children there is a dearth of informational books describing current scientific theories. One hopes this void will be filled in the near future.

The study of the origin of humans and the universe is a challenge, but one that encourages us to ponder and wonder, just as people have done throughout time. This study, though sometimes controversial, needs to be kept open, because in a democracy such a dialogue involves our basic rights of freedom of expression and belief.