Child literature By Badeaa Hassan TABUK - Writing for kids isn't like any other form of writing. It takes its roots from the traditions and philosophies of society. Still, as it is the case for any other form of writing, child literature has its upsides and downsides, which makes you wonder why any writer would want to take his chances and venture in this field, even though it's not a popular one here in the Arab world. Aisha Al-Hakamy, Professor in the Educational College for Girls in Tabuk said that the birth of child literature dates back to the late 1600s, when authors in France developed interest in writing fairy tales for children. “French poet and author Charles Perrault began this trend by writing his first fairy tales that were published in his son's name, since Perrault had feared that writing fairy tales would damage his reputation as a poet and author.”, said Al-Hakamy. Yet, Perrault wrote again, and this time he used his own name and his reputation to lay the foundation stone for child literature throughout the world, inspiring writers from all over Europe to follow his example. However Perrault's works werent the only source of inspiration to fairy tale writers, the influence of oriental legends and folk tales like “A Thousand and One Arabian Nights' was obvious in European works. “In France, a school for child literature appeared, it was followed by the formation of the first newspaper for children in 1790. While in England Child literature appeared only in the 17th century, in stories that were somehow ceremonious and full of wisdom.” Al-Hakamy explained. Things were no different in the Arab world; Al-Hakami says that the formation of an Arabic child literature was totally inspired by its French precedent. “When Refa'a Tahtawi returned from France, he brought the idea of targeting young readers with him, since there was no child literature back in the Arabic world, which was, in Tahtawi's perception, a serious defect in child education” Al-Hakamy said. Tahtawi translated some of the French tales into Arabic, founding the modern Arabic child literature. Poet Ahmed Shawqi was hot on his heels, writing poems and chants for children that tell the tales of talking animals and other fantasia creatures, like the tale of the dove and the hunter. Others followed their lead, like Kamel Al-Kilany, who wrote more than 200 stories and plays, first of which was the tale of the Marine Sinbad. Mohammed Saeed Al-Auryan was also one of the first Arabs to write for children, releasing a series of scholastic stories, in addition to other stories that speak of the Palestinian people's struggle. Al-Hakamy concludes saying that child literature requires more work and cooperation nowadays, with new tools and means of expression and publication appearing, which need to be adjusted to a compatible form that suits children's needs. Novelist and Writer Nuha Tabara says that she fell in love with writing for children although she had noticed that they prefer reading foreign material, since more work and effort is put into these works. Tabara explains that science fiction stories for children are very rare in Arabic literature, adding that writing for children is hard since more effort has to be spent in trying to make what you write more amusing in addition to choosing the appropriate vocabulary to use with young readers. Tabara also emphasized on respecting others and rejecting fanaticism, disrespect and mockery of others. “Those writing for kids are obliged to encourage dialogue instead of hate and violence which bring destruction.” Tabara concludes. Author Fayroz Ba'labaki says that her love for children is what drove her to writing for them, she also advised parents to encourage their children to read. “You can do that by reading them a bed time story for about half an hour before they sleep, keep reading for them even if they can read on their own.” Ba'labaki says. Ba'labaki explained that when parents read for their kids a strong bond will form, positively affecting child behavior and compliance with parents' directions. Ba'labaki adds that kids that read tend to be much smarter than those that don't read, but it all comes down to the parents' role in encouraging them to read. “Make reading a fun time for you and your kids, don't exhaust them by asking them to look up word meanings or by asking them questions, just laugh and have fun with them.” She said. __
