Fantastic in Turkish children's literature: Fantastic elements in Ayla Kutlu's books

This study aims to identify the fantastic elements in Ayla Kutlu's children's works. Conducted using a qualitative research model, the study was analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. The data collection tool used was an evaluation form developed by the researcher called "Criteria for Evaluating Fantastic Works." The fantastical elements in the eight works examined were coded according to their suitability for this form. The findings, which were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques, were organized, analyzed, and interpreted with the help of the questions in the form. When the works were compared with each other, it was determined that the work containing the most elements in the criteria was Mavi Saçlar Pembe Gözler (Blue Hair Pink Eyes). Twelve out of thirteen questions in the criteria received positive responses. Huvava, the First Environmentalist and The Little Blue Train received positive responses to ten questions; Flower-Handed Robot, Shoes That Think They Are Dogs, and The Boy with the Bird's Head received positive responses to nine questions; The Secret of the Twins and There Are Too Many of You received positive responses to eight questions. When the fantastic elements in the works were examined, it was found that change, transformation, metamorphosis, fantastic beings, emotions such as doubt, astonishment, and anxiety, the relationship between fantastic fiction and reality, the relationship between fantastic fiction and theme, and the relationship between fantastic fiction and language and narration were present in all works. It was observed that the question specifically addressing the emotion of uncertainty received negative responses in all works. Based on the findings, it can be said that the works are rich in fantastic elements and may positively influence the process of acquiring a reading culture among child readers.