They have passed 41 years since the disappearance of Gianni Rodari, the most distinguished Italian writer of children's literature of the Italian twentieth century. Elementary teacher, journalist and writer, his literary production over the years has been very prolific. In fact, there are more than 70 works, between novels, nursery rhymes and short stories. His profession as a teacher and contact with children were essential for the realization of his works. Despite the large amount of novels, his "opera magna" is certainly the "Grammar of fantasy"(1973). It is a kind of theoretical volume that he intends explain the art of making up stories. Furthermore, his brilliant literary productions are not only appreciated in Italy, but also abroad. His works are indeed translated into 50 languages and present in 53 countries, Such as Russia where the writer is much loved.
Rodari's contribution to children's literature was enormous. Works like "Fables on the phone","The blue arrow","The adventures of Cipollino","Nursery rhymes in heaven and on earth","The game of the four cantons","The book of errors"and "Baron Lamberto was there twice"Have in fact remained etched in the memory of" old "and new children, for over 50 years.
Gianni Rodari: a life between journalism and children's literature
Born in Omegna (Novara) in 1920, first failed seminarian and then failed violinist, Rodari graduated elementary school teacher in 1937. In 1939 he enrolled in the faculty of languages at the Cattolica of Milan, but he soon abandoned his studies. He did not participate in the Second Word War due to health problems. In 1941, he began his career as a teacher and enrolled in the fascist party to be able to work. In 1944, however, he approached the Communist Party and participated in the partisan fights for the liberation of Italy. communism was one of the cornerstones of Rodari's life. After the end of the war he worked as a journalist directing "New Order". He then moved on toUnit as a journalist and in 1950 he directed the weekly for children "The pioneer". At the end of the 50s, he left the Unit to collaborate as a journalist with "Evening country".
Starting in 1960 he began publishing for the publishing house Einaudi. The first book published was "Nursery rhymes in heaven and on earth". In 1970 he then won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his merits as a children's writer. To this day he is still the only Italian to have won the "Little Nobel"For his writings. During the 70s he published many other texts, including "Machine-made stories"(1973) and"The ghost gondola". Unfortunately, his health began to deteriorate in 1979. Death came on 14 April 1980, due to complications after undergoing surgery on the leg.
The pedagogical intent in fantastic narratives
Il modus write by Gianni Rodari stands out for being simple and immediate, capable of breaking into the soul of a child, but not only. If on the one hand language games can teach children a lot, on the other hand they also hide behind some writings food for thought for adults. Think for example of "The adventures of Cipollino". Although the protagonists are vegetables and the tones are surrealistic, the novel is about freedom and justice, of the poor (Cipollino, Sor Zucca, etc.) who must rebel against the oppressors (General Limone and cavalier Tomato). Those of Rodari are therefore gods pedagogical novels. As the writer himself said at the delivery of the Andersen prize: "I believe that fairy tales can help educate the mind. The fairy tale is the place of all hypotheses: it can give us keys to enter reality by new paths, it can help the child to know the world ...»
The figure of Rodari does not end only as a simple writer for children. Behind the laughter and the nonsense there are always gods real characters with real problems. Fantasy is a pretext for tell the reality and the values that every man should have, like solidarity, justice, medium-high pace e freedom. Unfortunately, Rodari's example has not been fully grasped by those involved in children's content today. More and more children are approaching books, cartoons and videos on YouTube meaningless, which leave nothing in the soul of a child. Fortunately, Rodari is still present in schools. His texts, always very current, are fun and at the same time very useful for teaching children, who are preparing to become boys and then men and women, the right values to help make the world a better place.
