Analysing children's books that include selections from Rumi's Masnavi in terms of children's education and children's literature

In this study, it is intended to examine and evaluate the children's books that include selections from Rumi's Masnavi prepared by different publishers in terms of children's education and children's literature. The study is a descriptive study and it has been carried out using descriptive survey model. 12 Selections from Rumi's Masnavi books that adapted for children and the 243 texts within them form the sample group of the study. The data of the study is collected through documentary reviewing method and content analysis method was used in the process of analysing and interpreting the data. In the study, firstly general information about children's literature and children's education is included. Rumi, including his life, his Masnavi, his mindset and his conception of education are aimed to be explained. Then, in accordance with the purpose of the study, the texts in the children's books, which constitute the sample of the study, have been examined considering the children's education and the principles of children's literature. The findings suggest that the children's books, which include selections from Rumi's Masnavi, are a rich source of many values that are desirable to be acquired by children in general, and they are highly suitable for the characteristics of children's literature. However, some texts have been found inappropriate for children primarily due to Masnavi not meant to be for children intrinsically and the lacking of essential sensitivity while adapting the texts at children's level. In this regard, some distinctions have also been seen among different publishers. Thus, it has been concluded that children's books which include selections from Rumi's Masnavi would be a tool of values education and a material for the education of Turkish language, as long as they are prepared and edited with the required precision for children. Keywords: Children's literature, children's books, values education, Rumi, Masnavi, Turkish language education