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Children's Literature

© Gail Giordano

"The language must be melodic, lifting, and the phrases and sentences so orchestrated that children love them not only for the story they tell but also for the mood their music creates." By Kornei Chukovsky

Children's literature was until the revolutionary period not a highly publicized genre. After the Soviet regime took over and Russia became a part of the USSR the published work of children's literature exploded. The years following the 1917 overthrow were a literary roller coaster. On one hand literature that criticized and was considered adult fiction and nonfiction were highly watched, banned, and a political issue. Children's literature was something approved and used to shape young lives.

From the time children were two to three, they learned and were read to verse tales, folklore, and long tales. The subversive message within the stories was that of Soviet ideals but not necessarily realisms. The characters used were things that Russian children could relate to and viewed in their world. Some world-renowned children authors have had success without being around very many children. Russian authors wrote from being around the children.

The books containing these fantastic stories are a very special commodity to both children and adults alike. Two well-known poets crusaded to give Russian children the freedom to experience all genres and various creative subjects from fairytales to fantasy. A great site for translations of fairytales is the following; they offer the translations and lacquer boxes with a picture befitting of the tale. http://www.lacquerbox.com/tales.htm

Samuel Marshak began writing children literature in the 1920's and died in 1964. Some of his verse tales include "Snooks", "Henny penny and the Ten Ducklings", "The Silly Little Mouse", and the "The Two Cats". Better-known children's author is Kornei Chukovsky. Chukovsky is a Russian Dr. Sues and Santa Claus all wrapped into one. He began his writing career in 1916. Kornei (also spelled Koreny) real name is Nikolay Vasilyevich Korneychukvov. Kornei is a well known literary critic, language theorists, translator, and author. He received his start as a journalist and began the translation process on great literary works. He has translated works from English and American authors such as Whitman and Dickens. Some of his well known verse tales includes "The Crocodile " written in 1917, "Was 'En Clean" written in 1923, and "The Giant Roach" (also translated "The Cockroach") also written in 1923. Kornei uses a classic form consisting of clockworth rhythms to air mischief and lightness. The main conventional theme is of cooperative action and social responsibility. His works have been adapted to theatric works, movie pictures and even opera and ballet.

The copyright of the article Children's Literature in Russian Literature is owned by Gail Giordano. Permission to republish Children's Literature in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.