Tracking the depictions of animals in children's literature through history reveals not only what authors think about animals, but also what they think about the human experience and of childhood itself. As the word "animal" can be used both to mark the similarities and the differences between beasts and men, it makes sense then that animals depicted in children's literature may do the same. Animals in children's literature may be wholly animalistic, they may act as symbols, they may traipse around in human clothes and perform human actions, or they may also represent racial and other differences. Similarly, child characters may be so feral they act as animals or desire to be one. Considering such depictions of animals (and animalistic children) in children's literature provides the opportunity for thinking about how children understand and negotiate their identities in the world.