This study aims to develop a folktale-based picture book to increase reading interest in fourth-grade elementary school students. The background of this research stems from the need for innovative learning media in the form of folktale picture books that can create a more engaging, contextual, and enjoyable learning environment in accordance with the demands of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes independence, creativity, and strengthening a culture of literacy. Folktales were chosen because they are close to students' lives, are rich in local wisdom, and can serve as a bridge to instill positive character through reading activities. The research method used is the ADDIE development model, which includes the stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The research subjects were fourth-grade students at SDN 2 Borok Toyang. The research instruments consisted of expert validation sheets (media, materials, and language) and student response questionnaires from small-group and large-group trials. The validation results showed that the folktale picture book was categorized as "very valid." The media expert gave it a score of 44 with an average of 4.4, the material expert gave it a score of 49 with an average of 4.9, and the language expert scored 40 with an average of 4.0. Student responses also showed positive results. In the small-group trial involving 8 students, the score was 47 with an average of 4.7, while in the large-group trial involving 25 students, the score was 48 with an average of 4.8. These results demonstrate that the folktale-based picture book is not only valid and suitable for use, but also effective in increasing reading interest while providing a more meaningful learning experience. Therefore, it can be concluded that this product has the potential to become an alternative, innovative learning medium to improve the quality of learning and literacy culture in elementary schools.
hurur et al. (Sun,) studied this question.