(1) Repetition

Children's books—especially those written for very small kids—tend to be repetitive. Words, numbers, and sounds are repeated. It's just a way for children's writers to hammer in those ABCs, among other important lessons.

(2) Didacticism

Children's literature teaches. It teaches us right from wrong; it teaches us what a rooster says; it teaches us that, well, everyone poops.

And while we're at it, it teaches us to, you know, read.

(3) Illustration

Children's literature is known for its illustrations. We can't think of Where the Wild Things Are without thinking of the famous image of Max as beast. We can't think of Dr. Seuss without thinking of the Cat's red-and-white striped hat. Given that we may not know how to read very well when we're first introduced to children's books, its good to have those pictures to help us keep up with the story.

P.S. Some children's book are just illustration: we call those wordless books picture books. And they. are. awesome.

(4) Optimism

In children's literature, the good guys (almost) always win and the bad guys are put to shame. Plenty of people take issue with this happily-ever-after, but an optimistic view of the world is an important characteristic of children's literature.

(5) Fantastic

If only the real world were as exciting as the world of children's literature: we'd have unicorns and witches and fairies and pirates and…okay, we're going to stop before we start to think these actually exist. The point is: anything's possible in children's literature. The laws of reality don't apply.

(6) Children

Duh.

(7) Innocence

Children are so innocent that they can't tell their grandmother from a wolf. So is it any wonder that innocence is a big theme in the literature? Innocence can be good, of course, but it can also be dangerous. Children's literature explores the causes and consequences of innocence. 

(8) Actions

Let's just put it this way: we won't find much stream-of-consciousness narrative in children's literature. Characters don't think. (Or they don't think much, at least). They do things. They go on adventures, they climb trees, they get into trouble.

(9) Children's Rights Movement

Once upon a time not too long ago (around the time of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, in fact), children were forced to work long hours in factories. Then social reformers came along and said enough is enough.

(10) Concept of Childhood

Believe it or not, children weren't always part of a separate category than adults. They were just treated as mini-adults…until philosophers and other thinkers came along and pointed out that these tiny people are small for a reason: they're different.