Nasser Yousefi
Nasser YousefiNasser YousefiNasser YousefiNasser Yousefi
Nasser Yousefi
My First Story
In 1988, at age 21, I published my first book, The Kindest Horse in the World. That same year, the story received an Honorable Diploma from the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon). Since then, esteemed publishers have published my books, and nearly all have received awards.
Yet, my greatest reward is not the accolades—it’s knowing that children and teenagers read my stories, enjoy them, and send me messages about how much they love them. For me, the accurate measure of a story’s success lies in the emotions and connections it creates among young readers. Their feedback, laughter, and curiosity inspire me to continue crafting meaningful and engaging narratives.
Reviving Persian Folktales
In the 1990s, I dedicated myself to reviving Persian folktales, carefully selecting and rewriting traditional Iranian stories to make them more accessible to modern children. I studied hundreds of folk legends, ultimately choosing seven tales to retell. Over the years, these stories have been published and reprinted many times.
Interestingly, the protagonists in all seven folktales are young heroines—brave, intelligent girls who shape their destinies and impact the lives of those around them. This was a conscious decision, as I wanted to highlight strong female role models who defy traditional stereotypes and take charge of their futures.
By adopting these folktales, I aim to preserve Iran’s rich cultural heritage while making these timeless stories relevant to today’s children. These tales, filled with adventure and wisdom, carry essential messages about courage, kindness, and resilience.
Writing for Children and Youths
Over the years, I have written numerous stories for young children and two novels for teenagers—both of which have become popular among young readers. Although I deeply appreciate teenagers, I personally prefer writing for children.
Writing for children immerses me in a world of boundless imagination, where anything is possible and straightforward yet profound messages can leave a lasting impact. I aim to create stories that nurture empathy, encourage curiosity, and inspire young minds to explore the world with open hearts.
Bringing Stories to Life
For every book I write, I love bringing stories to life through interactive events and programs. My books have been transformed into live experiences where children can engage with characters, participate in storytelling activities, and even shape the narrative with their ideas.
I organize storytelling sessions, workshops, and interactive performances, introducing children to the magical worlds within my books. These events allow me to connect with my young readers, hear their thoughts, and witness firsthand how stories spark their imaginations. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm reinforces my belief in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and create meaningful connections.
Listening to Children's Voices
In addition to writing, I have worked extensively in kindergartens and schools, interacting with children and teenagers almost daily. These experiences have given me invaluable insights into how children think, feel, and express themselves.
My background in child psychology allows me to understand children's emotions, fears, and aspirations, which, in turn, helps me create stories that truly resonate with them. Perhaps that's why so many children love my stories—because, in many ways, my stories are their stories.
For me, storytelling is not a one-way process but a dialogue. I don't just write for children; I write with them, drawing inspiration from their laughter, questions, and moments of sadness.
A Lifelong Dedication to Children's Literature
My writing journey has been deeply fulfilling, but I also see it as a lifelong mission. Beyond writing books, I advocate for children's literature and humanistic education. I work with educators, parents, and literary organizations to promote a culture of reading and storytelling. Through collaborations with international organizations, I contribute to global conversations about children's rights, education, and the transformative power of literature.
I hope to continue writing stories that inspire and empower young readers. Whether through folktales, contemporary stories, or interactive storytelling experiences, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful narratives that nurture children's hearts and minds, helping them navigate the world with imagination, empathy, and courage.