Chichi the Crowis a collection of stories by Nasser Yousefi about the life of a young crow. This children's book introduces young readers to Chichi step by step through nine short stories, starting from its birth and leading up to its first flight. The simple and relatable adventures of Chichi provide joy and entertainment for children.
The stories are deliberately simple, without exaggerated events or dramatic twists. Yet, Chichi the Crow's character has captivated young readers, who have grown fond of it. Following the book's release, numerous letters and notes from children were sent to the author, requesting a sequel. This enthusiasm inspired a unique and collaborative initiative.
A Collaborative Storytelling Project
As the demand for a second volume of Chichi the Crow grew, the author, without immediate plans for a sequel, decided to engage readers in the creative process. Through his Instagram page, Yousefi invited children, educators, teachers, and families to contribute ideas for Chichi's new adventures.
Participants were encouraged to suggest scenarios, themes, and character traits they wished to see in the next book. Over 300 children, educators, and educational facilitators contributed their thoughts and ideas. Using these suggestions, Yousefi wrote the second volume of Chichi the Crow, crediting the contributors by naming the authorship as Nasser Yousefi and Partners.
This participatory process was a significant promotional success, fostering active engagement from young readers and their communities. The initiative encouraged children to:
- Revisit the story, reading it attentively and discussing it with their families and teachers.
- Share their ideas boldly, fostering creativity and confidence.
- Feel a sense of ownership and pride in contributing to the development of Chichi's adventures.
For the author, this experience brought valuable insights into children's perspectives, helping shape the character and narrative with authentic input from readers.
Chichi the Crow Celebration Event
Following the collaborative project, the book's popularity surged. The second print run sold out quickly; publishers reprinted it to meet demand. In response, Yousefi partnered with Story and Legend Book Center to host a celebratory event dedicated to Chichi the Crow.
Yousefi generously allocated the proceeds from the book's second print run to fund the celebration. The Story and Legend Book Center, specializing in children's literature, organized a lively and engaging event featuring:
- Storytelling Booth: Introducing children to Chichi's adventures.
- Craft Booth: Creating crow masks and puppets using various materials.
- Games Booth: Interactive activities based on the stories.
- Art Booth: Encouraging children to draw scenes inspired by the book.
- Photography Exhibition: Displaying crow-themed photographs by a professional photographer.
- Crow Exhibit: Featuring artistic representations of crows.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, participation was carefully managed, and around 100 children attended in smaller, staggered groups throughout the day.
Promoting Awareness About Crows
The celebration sparked a broader movement of appreciation for crows. In Iran, crows are often misunderstood and viewed negatively. However, a growing interest in these birds emerged through discussions and activities inspired by the book.
The Donya Children Research Institute initiated a month-long project encouraging children and their families to observe and understand the behaviour of crows in their local environment. Families were provided guidelines on engaging with the birds and learning about their habits. This initiative transformed the story into a powerful tool for environmental education.
The promotional campaign for Chichi the Crow evolved from a simple children's story into a collaborative literary movement. The fact that young readers could inspire an author to continue a beloved story reflects the strength of their engagement and the book's impact.
The participatory storytelling process was a groundbreaking initiative in Iranian children's literature. Furthermore, the resulting movement of crow appreciation showcased how stories can inspire curiosity, compassion, and environmental awareness in children.
For more information, visit the Instagram page of the Donya Children Research Institute.