Bilderboken i förskolan En fokusgruppstudie av kanonprocessen
The aim of this masters thesis is to examine the picture book canonization process in pre-schools. To succeed in this I have examined what pre-school staff believe to be the criteria of a good picture book. Together with an observation of the pre-schools current collection, other factors which can influence the collection of the picture book are included. This constitutes the foundation for a description of the pre-school picture book canon. To pursue this goal, I have used the methodology of focus group interviews with staff from two pre-schools in a middle-sized town. The results show that pre-school staff in this study was very aware of what they consider to be a good picture book. Realistic and everyday related picture books are what constitute the foundation of the pre-school picture book canon. The greater the need of language development at the specific pre-school, the more simplicity in picture books is advocated. In general, intricate language and abstract pictures are avoided. With this in consideration, the study shows that some very popular picture book writers do not have the same assured place in pre-schools studied. The staffs own preferences are important factors for how the canon is shaped. The results from the study also indicate that a working co-operation with libraries and childrens librarians affect the collection tangibly. With a good co-operation the pre-school collection broadens and becomes more varied.