FIVE KAZAKH BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

Sometimes, the authors of wonderful books for children are not traditionally writers for children. Indeed, Yuri Serebryansky is one of Kazakhstan's most prominent contemporary poets and masters of short prose. In one of his poems, written before Kazakhstani Fairy Tales, is a line that reads, ‘So, here I am standing and trying to get through to my daughter through cartoons.’

In this simple line, we sense the yearning of parents to be understood by their children and the expression of the hope that shared experiences, like reading and watching cartoons together, will bring them closer. Kazakhstani Fairy Tales, which Serebryansky wrote for his daughter Varvara, is an attempt to connect with his daughter from a different perspective. Instead of relying on cartoons that have become ingrained in the father's mind as a means of bonding, he introduces something that is new for both of them.

For a grown-up Serebryansky, the question of identity is crucial. His characters and poetic texts attempt to answer the question ‘Who am I?’: Russian, Kazakh, Polish, Soviet? Sometimes, his characters answer the question successfully, and sometimes they fail. Serebryansky’s inner child in this book removes this question and invites young readers to independently explore it through the lens of Kazakh mythology. Through his storytelling, Serebryansky constructs his own mythological world that is humorous and poignant, but that remains deeply rooted in the Kazakh reality of the last century. Readers may even recognize references to such historical figures as the artist Kalmykov or to local Almaty mythology.

The core of the book lies in exploring the enchantment of a myth, creating a realm for fantasy and imagination that remains understandable for a child aged five or six. Serebryansky skillfully weaves unexpected shades of familiar words and combinations, creating an entertaining charade for young readers. His acute attention to linguistic nuances remains evident even in his children's prose, capturing the essence of the magical world he presents.

These two talented writers from Almaty have been working together, as teachers and editors for each other, for quite some time now, and Little People in Quarantine is their third book together. The story revolves around a family in quarantine, much like everyone else, finding themselves faced with dreariness, despondency, and indulging in too many cupcakes. In such a situation, even an ordinary shopping trip becomes an exciting adventure. Driven by boredom, Danik and his younger sister, Diana, stumble upon a family mirror that their mother had once shown them, which turns out to be magical. It transports them to completely different spaces, even fairy tale environments! They can even travel inside their father’s body to outer space. With simple language and an amusing plot, this book makes the perfect reading experience for a family with children in primary school. The narrative also leaves room for additional explanations by the reading parent, making it an engaging and enjoyable experience for all.

This is another dynamic duo of Kazakh writers, but they write for older readers. Zira Naurzbaeva, a philosopher and researcher of Kazakh mythology, has teamed up with Lilya Kalaus, a master of words and a skillful editor, and together, they have created a remarkable combination of knowledge and beauty. The book deeply delves into mythological imagery that resonates on a subconscious level while also incorporating modern language and familiar realities for teenagers (like the references to Harry Potter, who the characters read and watch). In the first book of the series, The Adventures of Batu and His Friends, fifth-graders Batu, Sashka, Khadisha, Kairat, and Dana embark on a quest to find the Golden Cup, a symbol of peace and harmony. Their journey is inspired by the presence of the Sakyan prince Aspar, the Golden Man, who enters reality through a mystical door called ‘Esik’ in the mound where his body is buried. Through their quest, they encounter numerous challenges, dangers, and unexpected meetings with representatives from not only the Kazakh mythological pantheon but also beyond. The book offers a deep immersion into the Kazakh mythological cosmos, and the Batu series includes three books that have already been written and published.

In her poignant play Mukha, which was published in two languages in 2022, Tonya Shipulina examines the challenging realities of living with an alcoholic. The play's raw portrayal captivates adult readers, offering insights into the world of teenagers. However, it also serves as an eye-opener for adults in being able to understand the struggles of today's youth. The story revolves around Mukha (a nickname for Misha), a teenager living with his mother and alcoholic father. Shipulina takes us on a journey through the characters' profound search for answers, exploring unorthodox literary devices that may not conform to traditional literary norms but offer a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. While the play addresses acute social issues, Shipulina's talents highlight her prowess in the realms of storytelling and fantasy.

For those who might find the topic of alcoholism too daunting, Shipulina offers an alternative in her book The Mystery of Ursula the Witch. This captivating work is notable for its masterful portrayal of dreams, reminiscent of Pamela Travers’s magical scenes in Mary Poppins, where one of the main protagonists, Jane, finds herself immersed in another reality. If you were enchanted by the magic of Mary Poppins as a child but find that your own children no longer share the same enthusiasm for the tale of the English nanny, Shipulina's fairy tales might be the perfect solution. Through her enchanting storytelling, she opens the door to a world where young and old alike can search for a common language, bridging the generation gap and rediscovering the magic of imagination.