An analysis of children's picture books in Turkey from the perspective of humanistic conception of education

This study examined the discourses and messages in various children's picture books published in Turkey within the framework of the humanistic conception of education (HCE), using discourse analysis method. Furthermore, this study investigated whether these books provide a proper ground and environment for creativity in human nature, or do they serve for obedience and control. The 14 books in the sample were the best-selling children's picture books in the last 5 years by publishing houses in Turkey. The criteria based on the HCE provided the basis for the critical analysis of children's picture books and thus it was possible to classify the booklist into three categories: humanistic, obedience-oriented and unclear/in-between. This study reached the following key findings: 5 books (35.7%) in the sample were compatible with the HCE and thus provided a proper ground and environment for creativity; 7 books (50%) were not compatible with the HCE, on the contrary, they served for obedience and control; 2 books (14.3%) were in the unclear/in-between category, therefore, while they contained elements that were compatible with the HCE, they also contained obedience and control elements. In this study, the criteria based on the HCE may provide a basis for the critical discussion of children's books and the development of the criteria in children's books studies. This study may also offer a useful discussion ground for parents and teachers who respect children's rights and believe in a democratic understanding.