Print culture embodies all forms of printed text and other printed forms of visual communication. ... Print culture is the conglomeration of effects on human society that is created by making printed forms of communication. Print culture encompasses many stages as it has evolved in response to technological advances.

(i) As primary education became compulsory from the late nineteenth century, children became an important category of readers.
(ii) Production of school textbooks became critical for the publishing industry.
(iii) A children’s press, devoted to literature for children alone, was set up in France in 1857. This press published new works as well as old fairy tales, and folk tales.
(iv) The Grimm Brothers in Germany spent years compiling traditional folk tales gathered from peasants.
(v) Anything that was considered unsuitable for children or would appear vulgar to the elites, was not included in the published version. Rural folk tales thus acquired a new form. In this way, print recorded old tales, but also changed them.

Role of Children in Print Culture

Children play a significant role in print culture, which refers to the production, distribution, and consumption of printed materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines. Here are the key aspects of their involvement:

1. Literacy Development:
- Children are introduced to print culture at an early age, which helps in nurturing their literacy skills.
- Reading books, newspapers, and other print materials enhances their vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills.
- Exposure to print culture encourages children to explore different genres, styles, and authors, broadening their knowledge and understanding of the world.

2. Imagination and Creativity:
- Print culture stimulates children's imagination and creativity by exposing them to different worlds, characters, and ideas.
- Books and other printed materials allow children to visualize stories, scenes, and concepts, fostering their imaginative thinking.
- Illustrated books help children develop visual literacy skills, as they interpret and analyze the images alongside the text.

3. Cognitive and Emotional Development:
- Engaging with print culture enhances children's cognitive abilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Reading develops their concentration, memory, and comprehension skills, enabling them to understand complex ideas and stories.
- Print materials also evoke emotions, allowing children to empathize with characters, explore different perspectives, and develop emotional intelligence.

4. Cultural and Social Understanding:
- Print culture exposes children to diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering their understanding and acceptance of differences.
- Reading about characters from different backgrounds helps children develop empathy, tolerance, and respect for others.
- Print materials also play a role in transmitting cultural values, traditions, and historical knowledge, contributing to a child's cultural literacy.

5. Education and Intellectual Growth:
- Print culture forms an integral part of formal education, with textbooks, workbooks, and reference materials being essential for learning.
- Children's active engagement with print materials supports their academic progress by strengthening reading, writing, and research skills.
- Print culture contributes to lifelong learning, as children develop a habit of seeking information and knowledge through books, newspapers, and online resources.

In conclusion, children's involvement in print culture is vital for their literacy development, imagination, cognitive growth, cultural understanding, and education. By nurturing a love for reading and providing access to diverse printed materials, we empower children to become lifelong learners and active participants in the world of knowledge and ideas.