Chinese children’s literature and political enlightenment during Mao’s era: A case study of lianhuanhua (serial illustrated books)

Abstract

This article explores lianhuanhua (serial illustrated books), the predominant form of children’s illustrated literature in China during Mao Zedong’s era, with over 20 billion copies sold. While lianhuanhua encompassed diverse themes, its content consistently reflected the communist ideology of the time. Despite its historical popularity, lianhuanhua has largely faded from public memory. Through an analysis of 400 lianhuanhua books published between 1949 and 1976, this article examines their imagery, text, and communicative strategies, highlighting their role in bridging Chinese children’s literature with political indoctrination. In addition, interviews with 500 Chinese individuals who grew up during Mao’s era provide insights into the influence of lianhuanhua on political perceptions. The findings suggest that young readers internalized the ideological expectations of the Communist Party of China through these books, demonstrating how lianhuanhua marked the emergence of a strong connection between Chinese children’s literature and political education.

Keywords

Lianhuanhua / Mao’s era / China / Children’s literature / Political enlightenment

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References

[1] Quangen W. Bainian Zhongguo Ertong Wenxue Biannian Shi [A Century of Chinese Children’s Literature Chronicles 1900-2016]. China: Hunan Children’s Publishing House; 2017. p. 150. [Book in Chinese]

[2] Mengzhi L. Bainian Zhongguo Changxiaoshu Shi, 1912-2012. [A 100-Year History of Bestsellers in China, 1912-2012]. Chicago, Illinois: World Book Publishing Company; 2015. p. 104-107. [Book in Chinese ]

[3] McCallum R, Stephens J. Ideology and children’s books. In: Handbook of Research on Children’s and Young Adult Literature. New York: Routledge; 2011. p. 359-371.

[4] Haug L. A picture paints a thousand words:Children’s drawings as a medium to study early political socialisation. In: Abendschӧn S, editors. Growing into Politics: Contexts and Timing of Political Socialization. United Kingdom: ECPR Press; 2013. p. 231-72.

[5] Patterson MM. Children’s literature as a vehicle for political socialization: An examination of best-selling picture books 2012-2017. J Genet Psychol. 2019; 180(4-5):231-250. doi: 10.1080/00221325.2019.1635077

[6] Shengliang Z. Dunhuang Shiku Yishu Zonglun [General Introduction to Dunhuang Grotto Art]. China: Gansu Education Publishing House; 2013. p. 193. [Book in Chinese]

[7] Xinping J. Xin Zhong Guo Lianhuanhua Chuanbo Tushi [Illustrated History of Lianhuanhua in PRC]. China: Lijiang Press; 2012. p. 60-61. [Book in Chinese]

[8] Changming X. History of Fine Art in Shanghai [History of Fine Art in Shanghai]. China: Shanghai Painting and Calligraphy Publishing House; 2004. p. 152. [Book in Chinese]

[9] Jun F, Xiaoye L. Zhong Guo Xin Wen Chu Ban Ye Gai Ge Kai Fang Si Shi Nian. [The 40 Years of Reform and Opening up of China’s Press and Publishing Industry]. China: China Book Publishing House; 2018. p. 10-11. [Book in Chinese]

[10] Han H, Xin T, Xin L, Xin C. Xin zhong guo wen hua chan ye qi shi nian [Three innovation stages: The 70 years of cultural industry in New China]. Dong Yue Lun Cong. 2019; 40(11):14-31. [Article in Chinese] doi: 10.15981/j.cnki.dongyueluncong.2019.11.002

[11] Agamben G. In: Heller-Roazen D, editor and translator. Potentialities: Collected Essays in Philosophy. United States: Standford University Press; 1999. p. 40-41.

[12] Suma M, Rahman F, Dalyan M, Rahman FF, Andini C. Literature and family development: A character building education. J Namibian Stud His Polit Cult. 2023; 39:220-232. doi: 10.59670/205fsk52

[13] Willeck C, Mendelberg T. Education and political participation. Ann Rev Polit Sci. 2022; 25(1):89-110. doi: 10.1146/annurev-polisci-051120-014235