Reality and Fantasy Unite in New Children’s Literature by Qin Wenjun
Shanghai recently played host to an exciting event in the world of children’s literature, as renowned writer Qin Wenjun shared his new work, titled “Princess Bird.” In his presentation, Wenjun emphasized the importance of combining reality and fantasy in literature, proclaiming them to be like the two wings of children’s books, with neither being dispensable.
While fantasy themes such as adventure and magic have gained popularity among children, especially teenagers, it is interesting to note that local original children’s literature has struggled to keep up with imported books in this genre. Imported classics like “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” have captured the hearts of children all over the world.
Qin Wenjun boldly stated that compared to realistic-themed works, domestic fantasy children’s books are relatively weak in quantity and quality. He believes that Chinese children’s literature, with its rich cultural heritage and unique psychological characteristics, has the potential to create exceptional fantasy literature that resonates with local readers.
Wenjun, known for his works based on real-life campus experiences, made a deliberate exploration into the realm of fantasy with his “Bird Princess” series. By combining reality with colorful fantasy, he aims to encourage children to overcome their fears, express care for others, stay true to themselves, and grow up as individuals who can navigate the challenges of life.
In his latest series, Wenjun pours his heart into creating a world of warmth and love for children. The novels not only contain wild imaginations but also draw inspiration from real-life experiences. The idea for the series sprouted from a child’s innocent request during a literature lecture, where they expressed a desire for endless princess stories. This awakened Wenjun’s own imagination and resulted in the creation of the “Bird Princess” series.
Wenjun believes that reading high-quality fantasy children’s literature is essential for children to nurture their imaginations and explore unknown worlds. He sees his role as a writer to provide an interesting interpretation of life, to awaken the inner strength of children, and to give them a space where they can momentarily escape from the harsh realities of life.
However, critics have observed that Chinese original children’s literature, specifically in the fantasy genre, has often fallen short compared to international bestsellers like “Harry Potter.” Some local works lack the “Chinese temperament” and merely imitate popular elements without taking into account the social reality of Chinese children. Fast-food assembly-line works fail to satisfy the need for high-quality fantasy literature, leaving a “cultural gap” in their wake.
In an effort to bridge this gap, some writers, like those behind the “Little Bear Baozi Adventure” series, have strived to create a fantasy world that is not only imaginative but also grounded in Chinese aesthetics and daily life. By infusing Chinese elements and experiences into the stories, they aim to offer a unique and innovative reading experience for young readers.
As Chinese children’s literature continues to evolve and embrace its originality, there is an anticipation for the emergence of more local fantasy literature that carries the “Chinese temperament” and embodies “Oriental aesthetics.” The combination of reality and fantasy, when done right, has the power to captivate and inspire young minds, offering them a doorway to endless possibilities.