Children may experience or see something in a book that they have not experienced in their lives. Likewise, they may have experienced something in their lives and then, after reading about it, can have a deeper understanding of that event or experience. Afterall, learning is the process of relating new information to the information one already knows. Through literature, children will gain an insight into the human experience, leading to a better understanding of themselves and their feelings. Positive self-esteem can be developed as a result of children identifying with characters in a book and then seeing how that character deals with a situation, perhaps similar to their own.
Children can see that their feelings and ideas are normal and likewise view themselves as normal.
Quality literature can also help children to understand how they fit in and relate to others. Children can begin to assume a role in goal and limit setting for their own behavior as a result of learning how characters in stories have developed solutions to their problems. Thus, children will explore their feelings, shape their own values, and imagine lives beyond the one they live. This connection between reader and listener is a time for sharing together a broad range of emotions, ie. A feeling of warmth and safety can also be created for the child in the physical presence of the reader, who can reassure a child that all is well.