Among the most influential figures associated with children’s literature is poet Phạm Hổ (1926–2007), born in An Nhơn. Widely regarded as a major contributor to modern Vietnamese children’s literature, he left a lasting legacy through imaginative poems closely connected to nature and the world of children. His works have become part of the childhood memories of generations of students.
Following his path was writer Nguyễn Văn Chương (1943–2015), a Hanoi native who developed strong ties with Bình Định after 1975. His body of work includes fables, narrative poems and poetry collections such as Cây chăm làm (1982), Ánh sao xanh (1982), Chú mầm măng (1986), Hiệp sĩ Bọ Ngựa (1986), Hoa cúc quỳ (1999) and Quà của bà (2003). His writing combined simplicity with educational value, introducing young readers to nature through innocence and affection.
Writer Nguyễn Mỹ Nữ has also made a significant contribution, publishing dozens of essay collections and stories for children, including Mắt núi (2004), Món quà của mùa hè (2007), Theo một người về biển (2017), Nhặt (2023) and Nào cùng nhón chân (2023). Her work is distinguished by close observation of childhood experiences and an emotionally resonant narrative style.
Rather than relying on direct moral instruction, Nguyễn Mỹ Nữ allows her characters to grow through everyday experiences and emotions. Other notable contributors to the field include Hoàng Trọng Thắng, Phạm Đức Long, Bùi Thị Xuân Mai and Nguyễn Quang Tuệ.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the children’s literature community has expanded considerably. Writers such as Mộc An, Nguyễn Đặng Thùy Trang, Nguyễn Trần Thiên Lộc, Mai Đậu Hũ, Lê Thị Kim Sơn, Trương Công Tưởng and My Tiên have introduced new perspectives and themes. More recently, authors including Mai Thìn, Trần Quang Lộc and Bùi Duy Phong have joined the field.
According to Dr. Lê Nhật Ký, a long-time researcher of children’s literature, the number of writers working in the genre has continued to grow following the establishment of the new Gia Lai province.
“What is encouraging is the continuous succession of generations, helping to affirm the position of Gia Lai’s children’s literature within the broader national literary landscape,” he said.
Writing for children remains a demanding literary pursuit, requiring both imagination and the ability to view the world through a child’s perspective. For many authors, the genre offers an opportunity to reconnect with innocence and renew their creative outlook.
Poet Mai Thìn, former chairman of the Bình Định Literature and Arts Association, said retirement has given him more time to observe daily life, particularly the children in his neighborhood. Inspired by two local children known as “Cu Bắp” and “Cu Tít,” he wrote the poetry collection Kẻo đồng hồ ăn hết and is currently selecting from more than 40 poems to complete the manuscript for publication.
Writer Lê Thị Kim Sơn has pursued a storytelling style rich in fairy-tale elements. Her two children’s story collections, Cổ tích trưa and Những chiếc sừng xinh đẹp, both published in 2024, blend everyday experiences with imagination and wonder.
Rather than emphasizing explicit lessons, she allows her stories to unfold according to the natural logic of a child’s psychology.
“I am currently completing a children’s novel manuscript on the Central Highlands and hope to introduce it to readers soon,” Kim Sơn said.
Author Mai Đậu Hũ has also continued to expand her body of work. Following the poetry collection Lá (2019) and the storybook Chuyện ở rừng xanh thẳm (2024), she has completed the manuscript for Bộ tứ mèo bông, which is expected to be published this year. She is also developing a novel about the friendship between an elephant and an ant, using the relationship as a symbol of harmony amid differences.
Such projects reflect a growing emphasis on contemporary humanistic values in Gia Lai’s children’s literature, including respect for diversity, empathy and coexistence.
The literary movement is also being strengthened by young creators. A notable example is Nguyễn Huyên Thảo, a fifth-grade student at Nguyễn Văn Cừ Primary School in Quy Nhơn Nam Ward, who recently published her novel The Beautiful World of Lazy Sam and Friends.
The book explores the world of animals through themes of compassion and affection, while its illustrations were also created by the young author.
The emergence of writers such as Huyên Thảo is bringing fresh energy to Gia Lai’s children’s literature and raising hopes for a new generation of creators, further enriching the province’s literary landscape for young readers.
