The history of children’s and young adult literature dates back to the mid-18th century, when the first known book for children's entertainment, "A Pretty Little Pocket-Book", was published by John Newbery in 1744. Following that, "The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes" was released in 1765, becoming the first children's novel.
Children’s literature spans multiple genres, including picture books, folk tales, poetry, fables, biographies, fiction, and non-fiction, with the primary aim of both educating and entertaining young minds. The legendary Hans Christian Andersen, often referred to as the Father of Children’s Literature, revolutionized storytelling for young audiences with his imaginative and heartfelt tales. Some of his most famous works include:
The Little Mermaid
Thumbelina
The Ugly Duckling
The Snow Queen
The Little Match Girl
The Emperor’s New Clothes
The Evolution of Children's Literature in Iran
In Iran, children’s literature has deep roots in oral storytelling traditions. The earliest key figure in this field was Jabar Baghtcheban, a pioneer in education and child literacy. He strongly believed that one of the main barriers to effective literacy was the lack of early literary engagement before formal education.
His approach emphasized:
Storytelling & Theater
Poetry & Songs
Interactive Learning Through Play
His innovative methods helped shape modern Persian children’s literature, providing a foundation for future writers and educators.
The 20th Century: A Golden Era for Children’s Literature
The 20th century is often called the "Century of the Child", as it saw a remarkable expansion in children's literature across multiple genres. Some of the most significant milestones include:
The establishment of children's literature as an academic field in major universities.
The publication of critical and theoretical works on children's storytelling.
The rise of illustrated books, emphasizing visual storytelling.
The creation of prestigious international awards, such as the Hans Christian Andersen Award, which honors outstanding contributions to children's literature.
These developments helped bring children’s storytelling to the global stage, inspiring generations of young readers.
The Digital Transformation of Children's Literature
As the 21st century unfolds, technological advancements have opened new pathways for children's literature. The widespread use of digital platforms has led to innovations such as:
Online archives and digital libraries – such as Iranak Bank, launched in 2006, dedicated to preserving Persian children's literature.
E-books & interactive storytelling apps, making books more accessible.
Audiobooks & podcasts, allowing children to experience literature in new formats.
Today, numerous online platforms, social media networks, and messaging apps have designated sections for children’s literature, offering stories, fables, and lullabies in both audio and text formats.
The Importance of Safe Digital Spaces for Children
Ensuring a safe online environment for children is crucial, especially when it comes to literary content. Many platforms have implemented strict regulations on:
Inappropriate content – Filtering out harmful materials.
Advertising restrictions – Protecting children from commercial influence.
Content moderation – Ensuring educational and age-appropriate content.
On Soroush Plus, a dedicated category for children's content has been created, with strict guidelines for safety and quality. Parents can confidently choose from a curated selection of stories, poems, and lullabies, knowing that advertising is strictly prohibited in children’s channels.
Keeping the Love for Literature Alive in the Digital Age
In an era dominated by technology and digital devices, maintaining children’s enthusiasm for books and storytelling may seem challenging. However, by leveraging the very tools that define this era, we can bridge the gap between children and literature.
Interactive apps can turn reading into an engaging experience.
Audiobooks & storytelling podcasts can make literature more accessible.
Social media & digital platforms can introduce new generations to the magic of stories.
By embracing digital innovation, we can revive and strengthen the bond between children and the world of words, imagination, and storytelling.
