Children’s Literature
Children’s literature, which includes original
texts as well as translations of classics from many languages,
integrates a wide variety of topics and prose styles, reflecting a
world trend towards a more direct and sophisticated approach to
language and intellectual content in writing for children.
During the first decade of the state, most Hebrew
books for children focused on the prevailing social values of
pioneering, struggle and achievement, emphasizing the individual's
obligation to the building of the country. They were full of slogans
and admiration of heroes, with the national vision occupying a
central place. More often than not, authors tended to used the
pronoun 'we' rather than 'I'.
Since the late 1960s, transmission of adult values
in children's literature was gradually replaced with the world of the
children themselves, dealing with topics such as death, divorce,
single-parent families, handicaps, adolescence and the struggle for
one's place in the family and society. At the same time, many
imaginative children's books and stories were also written, providing
young readers with pure fantasy, entertainment and escapism.
Motivating open inquiry and encouraging
independent thinking have become basic elements in contemporary
writing for children. While themes of social and national
significance are still important, they are now treated with greater
sincerity and openness. Some current books aim at negating
stereotypes in the country's diversified society and deal with the
immigration of Jews from many parts of the world, while others
feature historical works and biographies which focus primarily on
prominent figures who contributed to the development of the country
over the last century, beginning with the renewal of Jewish life in
the Land of Israel. Over the years a considerable body of children's
literature for various age groups has been produced. It is
distinguished by well-designed graphics and characterized by
psychological sensitivity as well as by an expressive and picturesque
use of language, enabling the young reader to identify with the
substance of the writing in a dynamic way. Many Israeli books for
children are now also being published in translation around the
world, in a wide variety of languages.
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |