The Representation of Iran (Persia) in Young Children's Picture Books in North America

Indiana University Press. 601 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404. Tel: 800-842-6796; Tel: 812-855-8817; Fax: 812-855-7931; e-mail: iuporder@indiana.edu; Web site: https://scholarworks.iu.edu/iupjournals/index.php/jems/

Y

20

Picture Books; Muslims; Illustrations; Content Analysis; Cultural Awareness; Islamic Culture; Holidays; Cultural Activities; Family Life; English; Literature; Minority Groups; Religious Cultural Groups; Disproportionate Representation; Foreign Countries; Library Materials; Fiction; Folk Culture; Modern History; Accuracy

2641-0044
2641-0052

There are a few empirical studies that examine the portrayal of the Middle East and its people in young children's picture books. Many of these books depict Muslim life and celebrations without delving into the specificities of each Middle Eastern country. This study, which focuses on Iran as a non-Arab Muslim majority Middle Eastern country, investigates how Iran and its diverse cultures are represented in children's picture books published in North America. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 27 picture books written in English between 2000 and 2021, targeting children aged three to nine. The findings reveal that a significant number of these books revolve around Nowruz celebrations (the Persian New Year) or ancient Persia, often presented through popular folktales. These findings underscore the need for books that depict the contemporary lives of Iranians, both within and outside the country, through narratives and illustrations.

As Provided

2024

EJ1431383