A child is a condition that everyone has until the age of 18. (UNICEF, 2004). Children's literature, on the other hand, is all of the oral and written works prepared for the dreams, emotions and thoughts of people in this age range in order to meet the needs of children between the ages of 2-14 (Tür & Turla, 2010). Children's growth and development; all of the verbal and written yields that address their dreams, emotions, thoughts, talents and tastes and contribute to their fun while training. The book for the child is always interesting.
Looking at the relationship between 0-6 year-old child-book, it is seen that different characteristics gain importance at every age. Within the scope of children's literature;
Until the age of two (called the first books), the cardboard or cloth books, which are oyuncak one-figure,, consisting of paintings of objects that she sees, recognizes and uses, attract the attention of cardboard or cloth books that do not have a story for her.
At the age of 2-3, the child develops vocabulary that intensifies the effort to improve the language. He learns the basic structure of the language, makes multi-word combinations, signs adjectives, sign pronouns, starts using negative structures and questions. In this period, it is seen that there are sound repetitions and they prefer to listen to the rhyme style products many times.
At the age of 3-4, the child has learned the basic structure of the language. Express feelings and thoughts through language. He is interested in picture books about the events. Begins to establish a relationship between the described event and painting. He listens carefully to the short-story story read to him and asks him to read it over and over again.
At the age of 4-5, language has become an accurate and easily used communication tool. There is an increase in the number of words. The conversation started according to grammar rules.
By the age of 6, the average number of words is now 2000. She likes to learn more imaginative stories at the age of 4-5, but she wants to learn the truth at the age of six. Nature events, space, animals' lives, machines are the subjects that attract children's attention. They also enjoy creating stories for themselves.
Why is Children's Literature Important?
• In today's societies, the world of the child, initially limited to the family environment, develops through stimulants such as radio, television, cinema, newspapers and books through friends, audiovisual media. The growth of children in a stimulating and developing environment by touching with toys and books, playing with various tools and equipment increases the level of development and civilization. Children's books, magazines and cartoons, which have become a field that developed countries have meticulously focused on as a necessity of contemporary education, are considered as educational tools in the formation of this environment. These affect the child's sensations, perceptions and tastes permanently.
Benefits of book experience in early childhood
• Helps the baby to focus on his / her eyes and to recognize the objects around him, to develop language and to improve listening skills.
• It provides the formation of emotional consciousness, reinforcement of basic concepts, stimulation of thought, and increase of experiences.
• Creates a good reading model and establishes physical closeness that is important for the child's social-emotional development.
• Supports the ability to communicate with adults through the reader-child loyalty that it establishes positively.
• Strengthens the child's communication with the world.
• The language, mental and emotional and social development of the child is positively affected in the early period.
Edebiyat Children's Literature ”, books were designed for children aged 0-18. First of all, it was planned about which age group each student would like to design and how to design a book. After the planning, researches were made on the appropriate material selector and the students were directed to start their studies so that they could use their creativity. These books include activities that support children's cognitive, language, social-emotional and self-care skills. The books differ according to the age group.
The books designed for the age group of -2 are called ABC Books and they are made of materials such as felt, eva, fleece and fabric which will not harm children in their production and consist of machine or hand sewing. Among the 3-6 age group books, there are examples in which stories are written, drawn and painted by students and then converted into a3 or a4 format.
