Mostafa Rahmandoost

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Biography

Mostafa Rahmandoost | Poet, Writer, and Translator of Children’s Literature

Born: June 22, 1950, Hamedan, Iran
Profession: Poet, Writer, Translator, University Lecturer
Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Persian Language and Literature, University of Tehran | First-Class Artistic Degree (Doctorate)
Achievements: Judge at International Poetry and Children’s Book Festivals | Editor-in-Chief of Various Children’s and Teen Magazines

Life and Education

Mostafa Rahmandoost, one of the most influential figures in Iranian children’s literature, was born on June 22, 1950, in Hamedan, Iran. He discovered his talent for poetry at the age of 11 and developed a deep love for literature. During his early years, he memorized Rumi’s Masnavi and was fascinated by poetry.

His passion for literature led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Persian Language and Literature at the University of Tehran. After graduation, he worked as a manuscript expert at the Iranian Parliament Library before moving into cultural management and publishing. In 1992, he completed his master’s degree and later received a first-class artistic degree (equivalent to a doctorate).

Cultural and Managerial Activities

For over three decades, Rahmandoost has been actively involved in children’s and young adult literature and has held key positions in cultural institutions, including:

  • Director of the Publications Center at the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults
  • Editor-in-Chief of the Growth Magazines and “Student Growth” Journal
  • Founder and Editor-in-Chief of “Soroush Kids and Teens” Magazine
  • Editor-in-Chief of “Shahrzad-e Ghesegoo” Magazine
  • Director-General of the Office of Cultural Assemblies and Activities at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance (for three years)
  • Advisor to the National Library of Iran and Founder of the “Iranian Children’s National Library” Website

He has also served as a jury member for international children’s films, theater, and poetry festivals, as well as the Book of the Year Award and Children’s Press Festivals.

Publications and Literary Contributions

Rahmandoost has authored over 314 books, including poetry collections, children’s stories, translations, and research on children’s literature. His books have been printed in over 6.5 million copies and translated into 13 languages.

Children’s Poetry Collections

  • One Hundred Pomegranate Seeds (One of Iran’s most beloved children’s poems)
  • Lullabies (Ashura Lullaby, Sparrow Lullaby)
  • Poems of Five Fingers
  • Playing with Fingers
  • Sweeter Than Spring
  • The Garden of Kindness
  • Nonsense Rhymes

Children’s Stories and Translations

  • The Tale of Two Lonely Turtles
  • Playing with Fingers
  • Three Steps Away from Mother
  • Two Brides, Two Grooms
  • It Was White, It Was Lonely
  • Roots in the Soil, Branches in the Wind

Encyclopedias and Cultural Books

  • Easy Culture: A Special Encyclopedia for Children and Teens
  • The Pottery Secret: A Collection of Iranian Proverbs
  • Storytelling: Its Importance and Techniques

Views and Social Influence

Rahmandoost is a strong advocate for free and accessible education. In a 2024 interview, he criticized the lack of equal educational opportunities in Iran and pointed out that many government schools still require fees, creating disparities in the education system.

Beyond his work in Iran, he launched a publishing initiative in the U.S. under the name “Uncle Mostafa”, making his books available for Iranian children abroad in print and audio formats.

Video Index

Chapters:

  1. A Brief Account of Childhood and Family Background
  2. Early Interest in Poetry and Literature
  3. University Years
  4. Beginning of Professional Career
  5. Activities at the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults
  6. Continuation of Career
  7. Works – Part One
  8. Works – Part Two
  9. Marriage and Personal Life
  10. About Qeysar Aminpour
  11. Children’s and Young Adult Literature
  • Lullabies
  • Your Critique of Folk Tales
  • The Role of Storytelling and Children’s Film Production in Their Growth and Well-being
  • Characteristics of a Children’s Writer
  • Modern Poetry for Children
  • The Current State of Children’s Songs
  • The Role of Children’s Literature in Preserving Iran’s Cultural and Traditional Diversity
  • The Place of Myths and Legends in Iranian Children’s Literature
  • The Quality of Research in Children’s Literature
  • The Current State of Children’s and Young Adult Magazines
  • The Role of the Children’s Book Council in Promoting Children’s Literature in Iran
  • On the Study of Childhood Project
  • About Touran Mirhadi and Her Contributions
  • Influential Figures in Iranian Children’s Literature
  • Children’s Book House
  1. The Impact of Audience on Works
  • Dealing with Negative Criticism
  1. Experience and Work Methods
  • The Motivation That Led You to Children’s Poetry and Literature
  • The World of Poetry and Writing for Children and Young Adults
  • Key Elements of a Successful Children’s Story or Poem
  • Your Work Process from Idea to Final Text
  • Challenges Faced as a Children’s Poet and Writer
  • Projects You Are Eager to Pursue
  1. Cultural and Artistic Agents in Iranian Children’s Literature
  • The Quality of Children’s Books in Terms of Illustration, Text, and Printing
  • The Performance of the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults
  1. Books and Reading
  • The Role of Children’s Literature in the Educational System
  • Strategies to Promote Reading Among Children
  1. International Activities
  • About the Research Institute for the History of Children’s Literature
  • Presence in International Organizations in the Field of Children’s Literature
  1. Translation and Persian Language
  • The State of Persian Translations in Children’s and Young Adult Literature
  1. Education, Universities, and Knowledge
  • The State of Universities in the Field of Children’s and Young Adult Literature
  1. Politics, Culture, and Publishing
  • The Relationship Between Culture and Ideology
  • The Status of Copyright in Iran
  1. Identity
  • Identity
  • The Relationship Between National Identity and the Persian Language
  • The Importance of Knowing History
  1. Freedom
  • Strategies for Promoting Freedom of Expression in Iran
  • Freedom or Justice?
  1. The World Today and Tomorrow
  • Globalization
  1. Personal Worldview
  • A Quote from Shahrokh Meskoob
  • Your Vision of the Future
  • Your Greatest Concern Today
  • Self-Description
  • Your Perspective on Life
  • Something in the World That Amazes You Today
  • The People Closest to You
  • Death and Reflections on Mortality
  • Writing a Memoir
  • Immigration
  • The Best Advice You Have Received
  • Advice for Young Enthusiasts Interested in Children’s Literature
  • About the ArteBox Project

 

Personal Information
  • Birthday: June 22, 1950
  • Birthplace: Hamedan, Hamedan, Iran
  • Interview date: 20.11.2023- 06.01.2024

Poet, Author and Translator of Children’s Literature

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