AESTHETIC EDUCATION AND CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: VISUAL ANALYSIS OF PAPER CUT FROM “IL PICCOLO TEATRO DI REBECCA” AND “TI ASPETTO” BOOK BY RÉBECCA DAUTREMER

This paper explores the aesthetic and performative dimensions of children’s lit-erature, focusing on the works of Rebecca Dautremer, whose books exemplifya seamless fusion of narrative, visual art, and interactive materiality. Recenttrends in illustrated books highlight the increasing importance of their physi-cality and three-dimensionality, with “book-objects” like die-cut and theaterbooks transcending traditional storytelling to become immersive artistic expe-riences. These books engage readers by integrating layered illustrations, cut-outs, and dynamic visual spaces, encouraging active exploration and interac-tion. Central to Dautremer’s approach is the use of paper-cut techniques andinnovative designs that foster an emotional and physical journey through herworks. Il piccolo teatro di Rebecca and Ti aspetto. Jacominus Gainsborough ex-emplify how these techniques cultivate aesthetic competence in young readers.Through intricate cutouts and richly layered illustrations, Dautremer blends vis-ual storytelling with poetic narratives, creating a dialogic relationship betweentext, image, and materiality. This study highlights the transformative potentialof Dautremer’s creations, where readers become co-creators of meaning in aninterplay of beauty, curiosity, and playfulness