The representation of ants in catalan contemporary poetry for children

Abstract

This chapter draws attention to bestiaries—compilations of poems featuring animals—published for children in Catalan. The representation of the animals in the text and illustrations is analysed using an ecocritical approach. This chapter focuses on a selection of poems by contemporary authors and illustrators presenting ants. Pujol-Valls explores whether these insects are described from an anthropocentric or an ecocentric point of view, and whether they problematize or celebrate nature. Comparing representations of ants from different bestiaries, Pujol-Valls brings awareness to the concept of nature offered to young readers of today. Simultaneously, this chapter sheds light on the way that creatures such as ants can be stereotyped in the Western literary tradition.