The book is divided into two parts. The first part is a general overview of Vietnamese children's literature from the late 20th century to the present. The second part, "As I see it, and as I have felt," focuses on analyzing and evaluating notable works from the past 20 years.

"Vietnamese children's literature in the early 21st century" cover, 264 pages. Photo: Kim Dong Publishing House

"Vietnamese children's literature in the early 21st century" cover, 264 pages. Photo: Kim Dong Publishing House

This work has a clear structure, delving into many aspects: the role, function, themes, genres, authors, creative movements, and awards. Le also points out the impact of journalism, social media, and modern technology on the formation and reception of children's literature.

In addition to comparisons with international children's literature, Le dedicates many pages to young writers who have emerged since the beginning of the 21st century, such as La Thanh Ha, Dy Duyen, Bui Tieu Quyen, Lac An, and Le Quang Trang. Authors who have sparked debate are also viewed neutrally, with specific examples from their works. The presentation suggests that the author is well-read, closely follows publishing trends, and listens to feedback from the field.

Le doesn't shy away from pointing out limitations: many works are still overly didactic, lacking entertainment value; award and competition mechanisms are inadequate; some writers emerge early then disappear; and some established writers haven't been successful writing for children. These observations are presented with a measured, sometimes witty, tone.

In the second part, the author selects and analyzes 12 representative works of early 21st-century children's literature. The selection criteria aren't based on popularity or the publishing house but on the quality of the work. La Thanh Ha's poetry collection "Secret Little Kingdom" is mentioned several times, alongside "I am Beto," "Closing My Eyes, Opening the Window," "Wild Chrysanthemum and Sunshine," and "Ca Nong Travels to Truong Sa."

The poem "Garden of 10 Fingers," published in La Thanh Ha's poetry collection "Secret Little Kingdom." Photo: Crabit Kidbooks

The poem "Garden of 10 Fingers," published in La Thanh Ha's poetry collection "Secret Little Kingdom." Photo: Crabit Kidbooks

For librarians and reading promoters, this book can be an informative reference. The compilation and analysis of exemplary works help to create a list of quality books to add to children's libraries. Furthermore, the author's discussions on the role and shifts in Vietnamese children's reading habits can help library and education professionals adjust and develop effective and age-appropriate reading promotion strategies.

More importantly, the work affirms that Vietnamese children's literature is part of the transformation of contemporary literature. The emergence of many young talents and the meticulous investment in numerous books demonstrate that the writing, publishing, critical, and reading communities are working together to cultivate and advance this genre.

Author Van Thanh Le. Photo: Provided by the author

Author Van Thanh Le. Photo: Provided by the author

Writer Van Thanh Le was born in 1986 in Thanh Hoa and currently lives and works in TP HCM. He has published 18 books in various genres, including: "Don't Know Where to Go" (novel, Tre Publishing House, 2014), "One Person Too Many" (short story collection, Tre Publishing House, 2016), "On the Hill, Opening My Eyes and Dreaming" (children's novel, Kim Dong Publishing House, 2017), "Like a Bird in the Eyes of the Horizon" (literary portraits, Kim Dong Publishing House, 2017), "Red Barge, Green Beach" (short story collection, TP.HCM General Publishing House, 2018), "By the Stream, Covering My Ears to Listen to the Wind" (children's novel, Kim Dong Publishing House, 2020), "Following the Shadows" (literary portraits, TP HCM General Publishing House, 2021), and "Tet, Family is the Best" (children's poetry, Kim Dong Publishing House, 2024).

Le has won several literary awards, including third prize in the Muc Tim Newspaper poetry contest (2008), second prize in the Phu Nu TP HCM Newspaper short story contest (2009), two poetry awards from Tuoi Tre Newspaper (2010, 2012), and an award for excellent work from Nha Van Magazine (2011). He also received fourth prize in a writing competition for children organized by Kim Dong Publishing House in collaboration with the Danish Writers' Association in 2015.

Vu Thanh Tam