Children’s literature holds a particular fascination, not just for the vivid landscapes it paints, but also for the potent psychological impacts it holds for young minds. One intriguing aspect ripe for exploration is the element of transportation in these stories. When beloved characters embark on fantastical flights, take magic carpet rides, or whiz through time, they don't just offer magical adventures but also pave the way for profound psychological development in children.

Riding by Metaphor through Life
In many children's books, journeys represent life itself. The protagonist's travels act as a metaphor for ups and downs, highs and lows, challenges, and achievements. This connection between journey and life can be seen in classics like Jack London's 'Call of the Wild' or L. Frank Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz'. In these stories, transportation signifies more than mere physical movement; it symbolizes personal growth and the progression of life.

Steam Trains to Spacecraft: Vehicles Fueling Imagination
Vehicles and methods of transportation often hold a central role in tales spun for children. Whether it's the Hogwarts Express of 'Harry Potter' fame or the fantastical spacecraft in 'A Wrinkle in Time', these vehicles don't just transport characters in the physical realm, but in the imaginative one as well. They spark curiosity, incite wonder, and expand the realms of possibility in young minds, driving them to dream bigger and dare to imagine.

The Inner Journey
In many books, transportation isn't just about moving from point A to point B; it’s about exploring who you are and how you react to the world around you. Characters embarking on these journeys often end up discovering a lot about themselves. This psychological journey within transports readers into realms of self-awareness and empathy.

Pushing through Fear with the X-Factor
Transportation in children's literature also serves another essential purpose - teaching children to confront and triumph over fear and uncertainty. For instance, when Lucy Pevensie walks through the wardrobe into Narnia in 'The Chronicles of Narnia', it’s a journey filled with anxiety and excitement. This X-Factor - the unexpected, the unexplored - encourages children to face uncertainty bravely, strengthening their coping mechanisms along the way.

Understanding the psychology of transportation in children's literature opens a vibrant avenue for parents and educators to encourage children's development through reading. It's magical, not just in the Harry Potter 'transportation-to-Hogwarts' sense but in molding young minds to accept, navigate, and indeed, celebrate life's journey.