Ukiushi wa ‘Kanoni’ ya Maudhui katika Fasihi ya Watoto ya Kiswahili

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to bring out canon deviations in children’s literature. In examining the deviations, this paper will specifically look at canon thematic deviation in the sense that the sampled stories have themes that in traditional canon were not included in children’s literature such as themes on politics and crime investigation. Social realism theory will be used to evaluate canon deviation with a view of indicating that children’s literature is not just about fantasy but it is based on real events in the writer’s society. The paper highlights on new development in Kiswahili children’s literature in Kenya. This will enlighten upcoming authors on how to create works on children’s literature. At the same time when this deviation is highlighted it might give rise to scholarly debate on whether children’s literature must stick to traditional canon or it could be written freely as per the writer’s creativity