TEHRAN, Aug. 27 (Mehr News Agency) -- "Schoolbooks' illustrations are so formal and tiresome that most children are not interested in studying them," Iranian illustrator Farshid Mesqali told the Persian service of the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) on Saturday.

Mesqali also said that schoolbooks are relatively dry due to their lack of humor and illustrations.

"Most foreign countries make use of humor in conveying new subjects to learners. For example, in France humor has been used in schoolbooks in such a way that students take great pleasure in studying them. However, each country employs different educational methods, depending on its culture."

He stressed that the first grade of primary school is the most crucial educational period.

"The more informal and friendly the books, the better the relationship the children will develop with them," he added.

Due to Iran's ethnic diversity, it is difficult to devise comprehensive techniques that meet the needs of all students, Mesqali explained.

Educational officials can also enlist the assistance of humorists, he said in conclusion.