Examining children's literature books in the context of critical thought

Purpose: The aim of the research is to examine children's literature books in the context of critical thinking skills. Method: The research was carried out with basic qualitative research method. The data source of the research consisted of 9 books (6 novels and 3 stories) which received the TUDEM literature award. The obtained data were analyzed according to the affective and cognitive dimensions of critical thinking with descriptive analysis. In the analysis study, 35 dimensions of critical thinking created by Paul et al. were used as the data collection tool of the research. Results: The award-winning children's books, which constitute the data source of the study were analyzed according to the 35 dimensions of critical thinking by Paul et al. At the end of the examination, it was determined that the books included 34 dimensions of critical thinking consisting of cognitive and affective strategies. In the books, only "making interdisciplinary connections" dimension wasn't found. It has been revealed that "cognitive strategies-macro abilities" are used more than the others. Conclusion and Suggestions: At the end of the research, all the dimensions of critical thinking skills were revealed from the selected children's literature books except for "making interdisciplinary connections". Apart from these books, other children's literature books can be used to increase literature by working on the 35 dimensions of critical thinking. Keywords: Language Skills, Dimensions of Critical Thinking, Children's Literature Books