The Power of Dialogue: Religion in Contemporary Dutch Novels for Children HELMA VAN LIEROP-DEBRAUWER This article examines the approach to God and religion in contemporary Dutch children’s novels. It is argued that their representation has changed completely when compared to the Protestant children’s books from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Analysis of texts by Sjoerd Kuyper and Guus Kuijer, two of the best-known Dutch authors of children’s books in which religion is important to the plot, shows at least two important differences. While earlier Protestant writers were only interested in religious instruction written from one particular stance, these two writers focus on dialogue, respectfully discussing religious issues. Looking at them from Ingarden’s perspective on literature the conclusion is that the contemporary texts no longer simplify the complexities of life, thus showing the metaphysical qualities Ingarden considered essential to literature. Key words: religion, children’s literature, Dutch authors, Sjoerd Kuyper, Guus Kuijer, dialogue. IN THE BEGINNING ... In 1778 Hieronymus van Alphen published Kleine gedigten voor kinderen [Little poems for children]. Certain reservations not withstanding, this collection of poems is considered to be the beginning of Dutch children’s literature. 1 If there is one thing in the poems that immediately catches the eye, it is the omnipresence of God. In almost every poem, Van Alphen teaches his young readers that God is almighty, good and wise and that the humble little child should thank Him for all His help and support by being obedient and loving to God and to his parents. Religion and religiousness have been part of children’s books ever since they were first written, in the Netherlands as well as in other countries. 2 According to Ruth Bottigheimer, catechisms and bibles for children and unschooled adults appeared as early as the Middle Ages (299–305); and, as Rita Ghesquière emphasises, from the nineteenth century onwards, every major religion had its own books, fiction and non-fiction, written for religious socialisation. Within the general category of children’s books about religion, Ghesquière distinguishes a second group – one that describes the impact of faith and religiousness on the everyday lives of the characters, rather than focusing on religion per se; and,