"Sweet fruits" for summer

In the last days of June, a series of new children's literature books were continuously released to young readers nationwide. Significantly, these works are the "sweet fruits" of the first phase of the 2021-2023 Children's Literature Writing Contest organized by the Vietnam Writers Association.

From innocent verses

The particular interest in children's poetry in recent years has, to some extent, breathed new life into the creative force. Authors from many generations have together created a colorful garden of Vietnamese children's poetry.

Alongside new and young authors who are in their prime, children's poetry acknowledges the enduring legacy of previous generations, such as Nguyen Minh Khiem (born 1952) with "The River Grows While It Goes" (third prize) and Dang Toan (1969) with "The Sun Is No Longer Sick" (honorable mention).

Writer Nguyen Thi Nhu Hien (second from the right) has just received the second prize at the first Kim Dong Literary Award.

The poetry collection "The River Grows While Flowing " (Kim Dong Publishing House) also marks the return of poet Nguyen Minh Khiem to children's literature after 30 years. The 34 poems represent 34 different emotional states and witty, humorous stories expressed through poetry. In them, young readers will hear "Uncle" Nguyen Minh Khiem explain natural phenomena and objects through clever stories and interesting associations: "The sea searches for the salt pan / Seeing the white, it thinks it's sugar / And so the sea devours it / And begins to thirst ."

There are many more poems such as "The River Grows as It Goes," "The Lonely Banyan Tree," "Grass Turns into Bamboo," "Rain Brings Miracles ," etc., which evoke pure and innocent emotions while revealing a soul deeply in love with children.

"The Sun Gets Well" (East-West Publishing House and Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House) is an effort by poet Dang Toan to reach young readers using familiar materials. Prominent among these are poems about animals such as: sparrows, puppies, chickens, ducks, bear cubs…

Through simple verses and an innocent perspective, all living things appear vibrant and joyful, like a bridge connecting children's souls to nature, helping them discover and appreciate the beauty that nature bestows upon humanity: "All the beautiful colors / Have given way to the flowers / Simple Mother Earth / Wears only a brown dress!"

Up to the early works

Coincidentally, both works that won third prize— "The Fire Fox" by Pham Thanh Thuy and "Catching Sadness" by Nguyen Thi Nhu Hien—are debut works written for children after both authors had made their mark in adult literature.

Coincidentally, both Pham Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Nhu Hien are mothers with young children. Perhaps that's why their desire and heartfelt passion to write for their children and other young children is such a compelling source of inspiration.

The main character of "Catching Sadness" is Ken, a 7-year-old boy. Ken lives with his parents in a peaceful little neighborhood in the city, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new member to their family.

Nguyen Thi Nhu Hien vividly portrayed the colorful life of young Ken alongside his peers like Nam, Dong Nam, and Tri; and his nervous anticipation of soon becoming an older brother.

Along with that, the story also unfolds with the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged, such as Mr. Tư and the boy Thơm. Through small, natural stories that skillfully address loss, the author quietly sows seeds of compassion in the heart of Ken and young readers, so that they may learn to love and care for those around them.

Using the form of a fairy tale, Pham Thanh Thuy presents the story of the Fire Fox with many interesting and unique elements. Instead of the wicked and cunning stereotype commonly associated with foxes, in "The Fire Fox ," she creatively introduces a fox with a new image: beautiful, intelligent, and lonely.

The Fire Fox had a bright yellow coat and a large, bushy tail that looked like it was wearing a reed behind it. However, because it once stole chickens and ducks from people to eat, it was always in danger from the skilled hunter named Phan.

Through extraordinary effort, Fire Fox gradually changed, overcoming obstacles to live peacefully and happily with his friends: Striped Cat, Brown Squirrel, Little Chicken…

The first phase of the children's literature writing contest (2021-2023) still has several manuscripts ready for publication, including: Cats Are Not Born Just to Be Caught (first prize); Chestnut, Come Home (second prize); The Kitchen Tells Stories (third prize); Earth Clothes, Sky Clothes; Who Is the Richest; Kindness Remains (honorable mention).

The results of the 6th Cricket Children's Literature Award for 2025 have just been announced. Besides the works already published, several manuscripts are also being prepared for publication, such as: There's a Flat Earth in My Eyes; 120 Years of Wandering of the Greek Black and Gray Turtle; and Lullaby …

LE AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/trai-ngot-cho-mua-he-post801131.html