TEHRAN -- Over recent decades, Iranian children’s and young adult literature has steadily carved a distinguished presence on the world stage. 
Through storytelling, illustration, translation, and scholarly research, Iranian creators have contributed profoundly to this vibrant literary field, enriching it with unique cultural perspectives and artistic innovation. 
Their works have transcended geographic boundaries to be celebrated in prestigious international festivals and awards, reflecting both the richness of Iranian imagination and its universal appeal.
Children’s literature is a realm where fantasy, imagery, narrative, and dreams coalesce. Beyond mere entertainment, it teaches young minds the art of creation—a means to imagine a kinder, more just world. 
In this colorful landscape, Iran has taken significant strides, nurturing literary and artistic talents whose contributions have garnered global acclaim.
The journey toward international recognition began in 1964, when the distinguished author Mehdi Azar Yazdi won Iran’s first global accolade for children’s literature. His book Good Stories for Good Children was honored by UNESCO, spotlighting Iranian narrative art on the global stage and marking a watershed moment in the country’s cultural history.
Iran’s legacy in this field is further illuminated by iconic figures such as Noureddin Zarrinkelk —a multifaceted artist who won the Best Book Award at the 1969 UNESCO International Book Year in Tokyo for his children’s book The Crows. His extensive career in writing, illustration, and animation culminated in receiving the Hans Christian Andersen Honorary Diploma, celebrating his lifetime dedication to children’s book illustration.
Following him, Farshid Mesghali, an esteemed veteran illustrator, received the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1973—the highest international recognition in children’s literature awarded biennially to a writer and an illustrator worldwide. Mesghali was honored for his enduring artistic contribution, embodying the spirit and creativity of Iranian children’s art.
Iranian illustrators have also excelled at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, one of the world’s most influential festivals dedicated to children’s literature. In 2003, Bahram Khaef’s book The Storyteller received the BolognaRagazzi Award for outstanding content and artistic design, highlighting the distinctiveness of Iranian visual storytelling.
Later, Afsaneh Shabannejad, together with illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh, won the “New Horizons” prize at Bologna in 2008 for the book Arang Arang, Tell Me What’s the Color? This accolade celebrates innovative artistry and compelling narrative voices in children’s literature.
Iran’s commitment to nurturing young readers was internationally recognized in 2016 when the Read with Me project received the Asahi Prize from the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). This biennial award honors outstanding initiatives promoting reading among children and adolescents. The project, implemented by the Institute for Research on the History of Children’s Literature, was lauded for its profound impact on reducing cultural vulnerability and expanding access to literature among underprivileged children.
Iranian illustrators continue to make their mark at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, with multiple artists showcasing their work in the 2024 edition. Among them were Amir Alaei, Parvin Heydari Zadeh, Fereshteh Najafi, and Noushin Sadeghian, exemplifying Iran’s sustained creative vitality.
Moreover, Arman Aryan’s volume Inner Epic (the fifth installment of the Patash Khoargar series) was named to IBBY’s Honor List in 2024, underscoring Iran’s ongoing contribution to quality children’s literature.
Other notable achievements include Narges Muhammadi’s second-place finish at the 2006 Noma Concours in Japan, Fatemeh Nakhai’s 2015 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Award in Shanghai, and accolades in 2015 awarded to Ali Ghorbani Moghaddam, Banafsheh Erfanian, and Mahshid Raqami for outstanding literary contributions.
Iranian children’s literature today stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and a profound commitment to fostering young imaginations globally. 
As Iran continues to share its stories with the world, it nurtures not only readers but future creators and global citizens imbued with empathy, creativity, and hope.