The Misadventures of Popcorn and Zelda

The Value of Animal Protagonists for Young Readers in Children’s Literature. This series is about my rescue cat and dog, Popcorn and Zelda, who are brought together at different ages and stages of their life. Witnessing their sweet interaction, mischievous playfulness, and close bond, I am immediately provided the inspiration for the early reader series of my thesis, The Misadventures of Popcorn and Zelda. My animals offer a constant stream of entertainment in watching how they interact with not only one another, but with me, as well. Oftentimes, Popcorn and Zelda’s behavior mirrors how I think a person would act in certain circumstances. The expressive looks on their faces make it seem like they are truly speaking. I am fascinated by this interplay and it has me pondering the function that animals play in children’s literature, and the value animals may hold for young readers.