Malayalam Children’s Literature

Children’s literature received an impetus with the advent of print media. With the mushrooming of magazines catering exclusively to the children, the market became flooded with children’s literature.

Chilamboli, Poompatta, Baalarama and Kalikkutukku of the Malayala Manorama family are some of the heavy weights in the children’s literature kingdom.

Leela Nambudripad using the nom de plume of Sumangala is hailed as the Enid Blyton of Malayalam children’s literature. She is credited with twenty three books solely catering to the young clientele.

Mithayippoti(Packet of Sweets), Ee Kattha Kettittundo, Nadodi Cholkathakal, Neypaayasam, Manchaatikkuru, Kurinjiyum, Koottukaarum are some of her celebrated works.

The translation of Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana and an all time favorite Panchatantra are also among her widely appreciated compositions. Sumangala is the pioneering author of Pacha Malayala Nikhandu.

She has won several laurels for her outstanding contribution to the world of Malayalam children’s literature.

Nambudripad bagged The Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 and Bala Sahitya Institute Award in 1999.

‘Mali’ Madhavan Nair and Kunjunni are two of the other noteworthy children’s writers. The former’s Sarkas(Circus) is a moving narration which has a circus as a backdrop.

Though the latter’s brief verses may apparently seem fit to be read by only children, closer introspection will reveal many a worldly truth.

S. Sivadasan, K.V. Ramanathan, C.G Santhakumar, Sippy Pallippuram, Sooranadu Ravi, Nandanar and P. Narendranath are some of other distinguished personalities of this genre.

Children’s literature has gained further momentum with the establishment of The Kairali Children’s Book Trust.

This was the pioneering effort of Thakazhi Sivasankara and K.M. Mathew, the latter being the editor of the popular Malaya Manorama. Besides being the treasure trove of children’s literature, the book trust also boasts of the unique Ozhivukala Vayana competition.

This takes care of the reading of the teeny-boppers during the long holidays. The children are supposed to submit critical appreciations of books and the well written pieces are applauded.