Illustrated Storybooks for Preschool Children Published in Turkey Between 1980-2013: A Study Based on Preschool Education Reforms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution of topics featured in illustrated storybooks that address preschool children. The sample of the current study included a total of 1,050 illustrated storybooks published in Turkish between 1980 and 2013. Books for pre-school children that incorporated the components of setting, attempt, and consequence were selected using the convenience sampling technique. The trends observed in children’s books were examined from an educational perspective. Preschool curriculum reforms in Turkey were utilized in interpreting the trends observed in children’s books. The results demonstrated that there had been a general increase in all topics between 1980 and 2013. Over the years, topics targeted in children’s books have shifted from general, individual, and social topics to special topics due to educational reforms. Particularly in recent years, societal trends and the concepts and values parents wish their children to learn have resulted in a demand for and an increase in the number of books that target difficult topics and that teach values, character education, social skills training, morals, and religious topics. The number of books treating religious topics, character education, and moral education are estimated to continue to increase.