This paper provides historical background on the Jews in Russia and relates the development of children's literature to historical events and situations such as the discriminatory national policy of Tsarism, the fall of Tsarism and the abolishment of discrimination, the political repression of the 1930s, World War II, and Stalin's anti-Jewish campaign. The work of several authors, including Sholom-Aleichem, Lev Kvitko, and Ovsei Driz, is highlighted. (MES)