Poetry in Children’s Books: Is Its Absence Continuing?
Critics of children’s literature have long and consistently raised the issue of the absence of poetic content in Arabic children’s books, and they are justified in doing so. A review of catalogues from specialized publishing houses reveals that many are devoid of poetry collections for children. On a broader level, a visit to book fairs is sufficient to confirm this absence; in both cases, researchers will not need much effort to notice this unjustified scarcity of such publications.
It is striking that this absence has persisted despite repeated warnings across various conferences, seminars, and articles, all of which have continuously highlighted the scarcity and near disappearance of poetry from the field of children’s literature.
There is no doubt that those who raise the issue of the absence of poetry in Arabic children’s books are fully aware of the profound impact of poetry on children. Poetry has a strong emotional influence and a remarkable ability to shape imaginative and elegant forms that can be filled with meaningful content. This is achieved when the poet master's clarity of style, musical rhythm, and clear meaning, along with graceful expression and evocative imagery. In fact, some poets have succeeded in presenting their poetic work in a beautiful form that appeals to children, who receive it like songs and carry it with them as melodies.
Indeed, critics’ calls regarding the absence of poetry deserve careful study and deeper examination. Likewise, concerns about the decline in publishers’ interest in poetry call for bold initiatives that bring together publishers and Arabic poets. Arabic, our beautiful language, has never ceased to produce outstanding creative poets. Is it reasonable, then, for children’s poetry to remain confined to the legacy of great pioneers such as Ahmed Shawqi and the great poet Suleiman Al-Issa in his children’s poetry collection?
