Photo: Jenna Niskakangas
In her doctoral dissertation in literary studies, Master of Arts Mirja Nieminen examines what kind of new information on the characteristics of picturebooks can be obtained by examining the reception of children aged 2–6. The study is based on children's videotaped reading moments with Pekka Vuori' s Kadonneet alushameet and Anne Peltola' s Pom Pom picturebooks. The results show that children actively interpret the picturebook as image-word combination but pay special attention to visual features and features related to the spread as a whole, such as color, size, number, and the impression of movement. On the other hand, following the plot did not appear to be as central in the children's reception as has been assumed in many picture book theories. In addition to researchers, the information obtained in the study can be used by professionals in the field of teaching and education and those working in children's literature.
The doctoral dissertation of Master of Arts Mirja Nieminen, Lapset lukevat kuvakirjaa : Lasten keskeiset huomionkohteet teoksista Pekka Vuoren Kadonneet alushameet ja Anne Peltolan Pom Pom, will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology of Tampere University on 4 September. The dissertation is in the field of literary studies.
The opponent will be Professor Elina Druker from Stockholm University. The custos will be Professor Mari Hatavara from the Faculty of Social Sciences.