Rarely is there a collection of research on children's literature that gathers a large number of writers, researchers and critics like Vietnamese Children's Literature - On the Road They Set Foot On. There, readers encounter the thoughts and concerns of writers and poets who have achieved certain achievements in writing for children, as well as the comments and assessments of researchers and literary critics on children's literature.
The book is divided into two parts: From the inside looking out and From the outside looking in. From the inside looking out is the voice of the insiders, including names whose works are widely loved by children, such as: Nguyen Nhat Anh, Tran Duc Tien, Cao Xuan Son, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa, Bui Tieu Quyen... With more than 40 years of working with children's literature, writer Nguyen Nhat Anh shared: "It can be believed that a successful work written for children is a work that must more or less achieve two factors: children praise it and parents praise it. The latter part is often accidentally or intentionally overlooked by publishers." This is a noteworthy opinion for not only writers but also those who make children's books.
From the outside looking at the collection of articles by researchers on children's literature in the flow of the past 50 years. Associate Professor, Dr. La Thi Bac Ly tells readers about the flow of historical themes in children's literature, which originated in the 60s of the 20th century through typical authors, such as: Nguyen Huy Tuong, Ha An, To Hoai, Son Tung, Hoai Anh... Dr. Le Nhat Ky and Master Pham Tuan Vu outline the strong development of the Vietnamese fairy tale genre through the quality of the writing team and the system of works. In the presentation on the movements of Vietnamese children's poetry from 1975 to 2025, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tam (pen name Thanh Tam Nguyen) shows that this genre has "created its own space, worthy in literature, worthy of the recognition of children and other readers. This is an important and interesting part of indigenous culture, a unique asset of Vietnamese literature and culture".
Author Van Thanh Le (Director of Kim Dong Publishing House branch in Ho Chi Minh City) humorously called the work Vietnamese Children's Literature in the early 21st century - Things left in my closed eyes as arbitrary (arbitrary) commentary! However, regardless of the name, this is still a special and valuable book of children's literature criticism in the current context. Because it is the result of many years of observation in different mindsets: writing for children, making books for children and a person who loves children. For that reason, the book brings a two-way view of both the observer and the insider.
The work is divided into 2 parts, in which part 1, author Van Thanh Le highlights the movements of children's literature today through many aspects: concepts, topics, genres, creative teams, awards, critical research, press, media, social networks, publishing industry... As someone with a deep understanding of the children's book publishing market, the author has raised practical issues, objective and subjective existences of children's literature today, along with specific illustrations and evidence. In part 2, the author chooses to introduce and analyze 12 works written for children from 12 authors of different ages such as Nguyen Nhat Anh, Nguyen Ngoc Thuan, Bui Tieu Quyen, Le Quang Trang, Dy Duyen, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa...
This is like a supplement to the analysis and comments of part 1 to clarify the reality of children's literature in the country today. What is noteworthy about Van Thanh Le is his straightforward attitude. Even when talking about colleagues or authors of the previous generation, he does not show any reserve or flattery, but relies on the work to discuss. Therefore, the publication is considered a useful document for those interested in children's literature, or teaching in schools.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bat-nhip-chuyen-dong-cua-van-hoc-thieu-nhi-post809031.html
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