The Literary Blueprint: Crafted by Adults, Consumed by Children
Children’s literature is a significant compass in a child's journey of self-discovery. The narratives they encounter play an indispensable role in shaping their distinct personalities, worldviews, and, quite significantly, their understanding of gender roles. Hence, it isn't surprising that these narratives carry a significant responsibility in influencing children's perception of gender.

The Looking Glass of Literature: Reflecting or Shaping?
Are books merely a reflection of societal norms and values, or do they actively mould perceptions? It's possibly a bit of both. Drawing from developmental psychology, children emulate and internalize the traits and behaviors they observe around them. Unsurprisingly, literature becomes a vibrant, pulsating world which reflects gender roles, either reinforcing stereotypes or challenging them to spark resilience and broadmindedness.

Psychological Trajectories Shaped by Gender Narratives
Characters in children's stories often serve as their primary 'real-world' encounters with gender roles. Glaring representations, such as the damsel in distress or the brave knight, continue to perpetuate an age-old binary gender perception in young minds. On the other hand, more contemporary literature strives for diversified characterization, breaking molds, and bringing fluidity in gender roles. Such narratives help children develop emotionally mature perspectives towards gender.

Empowerment through Fiction: Breaking Barriers
Recent years have seen a heartening surge of 'gender rebels' on the literary scene. These are characters who challenge traditional stereotypes and rise as heroes, regardless of gender. These stories inspire an egalitarian perspective in children, where the compass of heroism isn't aligned strictly based on gender norms. This wave of change has opened avenues for children to embrace a more diverse interpretation of heroism.

Understanding the Implications: Shaping Future Narratives
To ensure a holistic development for children, it is critical to drift away from narratives that reinforce gender disparity. Instead, we need literature that supports an open-minded view of skills, attributes, and possibilities, irrespective of gender. A balanced portrayal of all genders in children's literature can play a pivotal role in normalizing equality and respect, eventually fostering a generation that values equality above stereotypes.

Understanding the psychology of gender in children’s literature implores us to scrutinize how gender narratives influence growing minds. It’s a call to writers, illustrators, editors, and readers alike to consciously imbibe and promote gender sensitivity in children’s literature.