Development of children's literature in the digital era

Abstract

The 21st century is a time when high technologies are widely used, life is increasingly intertwined with technology, and digital life grows more important day by day, compelling people to adapt. These rapid developments and changes are reflected not only in every field of life but also in literature. The impact of digital technologies is particularly profound in children's literature. Through these technologies, children learn educational content and values in a fun, interactive way. Azerbaijani children's literature is likewise entering a new stage of development via digital technologies. Traditional fairy tales, epics, and stories are being reworked into digital formats and presented to children. For example, interactive e-books and animations introduce children to the heroes of Azerbaijani folklore, fostering familiarity with cultural heritage. This article discusses in detail the development of children's literature in the digital era, its impact on children's lives and education, and the opportunities and challenges emerging in this field. Digital children's literature encompasses various formats, such as e-books, interactive stories, and mobile applications. These formats enable children to engage more actively with stories, heighten their interest in reading, and make learning enjoyable. However, while the development of children's literature in the digital era positively impacts education and child development, measures must be implemented to address existing challenges in this area.  For the above reasons, we also provide recommendations and/or suggestions to address these challenges.