Soviet Children's Books: The Political Power of Illustrated Literature

The article, published on doppiozero.com, explores the ideological role of Soviet children's books, focusing on the post-1917 period. It highlights Nadežda Krupskaja, wife of Lenin and deputy to Anatolij Lunačarskij, the People's Commissar for Education, who was a fervent supporter of the Russian avant-garde. Krupskaja played a decisive role in debates on children's culture and embodied the attitude of party officials. The article cites her statement that children's books are one of the most powerful weapons of socialist education, aiming to establish a materialist worldview in the younger generation. It also discusses the controversy surrounding Kornej Čukovskij's classic 'The Crocodile', a major work of Soviet children's literature. The piece appears to be a review or essay, likely accompanying a publication or exhibition, given the authors Giovanna Zoboli and Anita Romanello, and the date of May 8, 2026.