"The 'Shum Bola' (The Naughty Boy) is a novella by Uzbek writer and poet Gafur Gulom. The author wrote the work in 1936. The novella has been published several times. It depicts the childhood of the author and the life in Tashkent at the beginning of the 20th century.
The novella is a sharp satirical work based on real events and the fates of real people. Although many facts from the writer's life are at the center of the work, it is not autobiographical. The artistic fabric and fantasy are strong in relation to real historical facts.
The novella has been translated into Russian by F. Shayhutdinova (1968) and A. Naumov (1970), and into Ukrainian by V. Grimich (1991). In 1977, a film titled 'Shum Bola' was made based on the work. The film received praise from both Uzbek and foreign film critics.
In 2023, the work was included in the BBC's ranking of the top 100 children's books of all time. This year, in honor of the 120th anniversary of Gafur Gulom's birth, a new Uzbek edition of the novella was published by the publishing house named after the author."
Shum Bola" (The Naughty Boy) captures the essence of childhood, exploring themes such as innocence, curiosity, and the mischief that often accompanies youth. The protagonist's adventures reflect the universal experiences of growing up, filled with both joy and challenges.
The novella also highlights the social and cultural context of early 20th-century Tashkent, providing insights into the lives of children during that era. Through humor and satire, Gafur Gulom addresses serious issues such as family dynamics, societal expectations, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The vivid storytelling and relatable characters create a sense of nostalgia, allowing readers to connect with their own childhood experiences. The work's ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought is what makes it truly remarkable and enduring. Several important lessons can be learned from " the wind child: 1. Knowing the value of childhood: the work emphasizes the beauty of childhood and its peculiarities. Each child experiences his own unique experiences, and it is important to appreciate this period. 2. Self-realization: through The Adventures of the protagonist, children try to understand themselves and the world around them. This is the process of self-awareness and the formation of one's own personality. 3. Family and friendship: the work shows the importance of family and friendship. Relationships with family and friends play an important role in the development of children. 4. Overcoming difficulties: the difficulties and challenges faced by the protagonist indicate that there will always be obstacles in life and that it takes patience and courage to overcome them. 5. Social responsibility: the work also reflects on social responsibility and finding a place in society. Each child must understand his role and responsibility in society. 6. Curiosity and learning: children always strive to learn something new. The work emphasizes the importance of the process of interest and learning.