Children's literature is flourishing.

Since the beginning of this year, the children's book market has welcomed a series of new publications from both familiar writers and young authors. "Summer with Snow" (Tran Gia Bao), "Heart of the Island" (Ho Huy Son), "Gray Fool Goes to the City" (Bui Tieu Quyen), "The Farm at the End of the Forest" and "Paradise Village" (Pham Cong Luan)... are typical works for the 2025 children's book season.

Notably, the works are not only concentrated in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but also record significant contributions from local authors. In Binh Dinh, writer Moc An – a former third-prize winner of the National Book Award – has released two new stories: "The Chubby Boy and the Ghost Who Likes Fried Chicken " and "The Half-Ghost Teacher." In Phu Yen , young writer Le Pha Le presents "Bu Tot Carrying a Suitcase …" It is known that many more books by other authors will be released soon to welcome the summer, a time for children's fun and entertainment.

Not only is this the season for books, but it's also a time for many activities supporting creative writing. The Children's Literature Council of the Vietnam Writers Association has recently organized numerous writing camps in various locations such as Bao Loc, Nam Dan, Da Nang , and Vung Tau, creating opportunities for writers to interact, learn, and develop their works. Two large-scale competitions – the Kim Dong Award from Kim Dong Publishing House and the 2024-2025 Children's Literature Writing Contest – will both award prizes this summer, promising to generate even more high-quality works.

However, alongside this flourishing period, children's literature still faces challenges. While over 100 writers are diligently creating works for children, the number of books published each year remains extremely modest. According to publishing experts, the reason lies in the "market-driven" element; not every writer can create works that suit the tastes and psychology of today's young readers. The reality is that the published works are imbued with a modern spirit, featuring engaging storytelling, vivid language, and addressing issues that concern children. Successful authors are those with years of experience working in children's journalism or who possess the ability to observe and closely interact with children. This is not easily achieved through mere personal imagination.

To develop children's literature sustainably, efforts from many sides are needed. Regulatory agencies need specific support policies for authors writing for children, through funding, commissioned writing programs, or public-private partnership publishing models, to reduce market pressure on valuable works that are difficult to reach the general public. Publishers should continue to improve the selection, editing, and distribution processes for children's books, strengthening links with schools, libraries, and local communities to bring books closer to young readers. Writers, on the other hand, need to continuously learn, innovate their creative thinking, and proactively update their understanding of children's psychology in the context of rapidly developing technology and digital media. Writing for children cannot be limited to gentle writing or whimsical stories; it also requires depth, creativity, and a sense of responsibility in guiding their children. Families and schools need to continue playing a key role in fostering reading habits in children, so that books do not become a secondary option in the face of digital devices.

Children's literature is entering a new season with many encouraging signs. However, to maintain this momentum and truly become a spiritual foundation for future generations, the whole society needs to work together; writers must be given the necessary support, readers must be guided, and children's books must be considered an essential part of national culture.

DUONG MY ANH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202504/van-hoc-thieu-nhi-khoi-sac-657240f/