How free should you be when translating children's poetry?

Abstract

This project aims to explore how free you should be when translating children's poetry. First, I chose from two rhyming English children's books: One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish by Dr. Seuss and Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl. The translations have both been popular in Spain for several decades. Next, I analyzed some fragments from the books in terms of translation strategies and I focused on the degree of freedom in translation. Taking the analysis into account, I went on to attempt to translate another rhyming story in English, in this case by the very successful American writer Julia Donaldson. This story, Jack and the Flumflum Tree, has never been translated into Spanish. I have also provided a translation commentary. Finally, I used my translation in a 5th grade class to get some input from them and to see if what I have done could be considered successful in Spanish. As a result of these tasks, I have been able to draw some provisional conclusions about the freedom of the translator of children's poetry.