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RE: A librarian's Response to the NYTimes rrticle on picture books
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From: Steward, Celeste <csteward_at_aclibrary.org>
Date: Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:19:07 -0700
I think it's interesting that one NYT article has caused so much discussion (and outrage)...I read the NYT piece with some interest and much surprise. I did wonder as to the possible reasons for decreasing number of picture b ooks and finally came to the conclusion that it's a combination of things:
price (although true readers will find a way around this) the economy in general (it stinks) an increase in 'screen time' for kids (scary stuff) the push toward reading chapter books earlier (I have seen this professiona lly and personally) I wouldn't place all the blame on parents though--curre nt trends in education play a role as well as the competitive heat to get i nto the choice colleges (yes, it starts in Kindergarten for some).
Over the last few years, it does seem as though there are so many new autho rs trying their hand at picture book writing. I see a lot of bad attempts c ome across my desk. I also see many beautiful ones too--but, this is always the case or else how could I appreciate the diamonds? As I read the NYT pi ece, I thought perhaps publishers producing fewer picture books might not b e a bad thing. Would give me more to spend on the quality titles. :)
Someone posted earlier today that they think this publishing downturn is a cyclical event. I have to agree...because despite digital publishing, readi ng to young children is one of the more pleasurable aspects of child raisin g. And I honestly don't think the intimacy of reading a book together is go ing away--this kind of bonding is like family meals--substantial and far-re aching into adulthood. Reading aloud to young children provides an anchor i n an otherwise chaotic sea.
Despite the fact that fewer picture books are being made, it would seem tha t our (writers, artists, teachers, librarians, etc.) job hasn't changed...a nd it isn't unlike a preacher whose flock has strayed. Convincing folks to read aloud to their babies, toddlers, preschoolers is an uphill battle. But definitely one worth fighting.
Celeste Steward Collection Development Librarian IV Alameda County Library 2450 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 (510)745-1586
Message-----
From: Kathleen T. Horning
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 11:05 AM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject:
A librarian's Response to the NYTimes rrticle on pictur e books
If you haven't seen it yet, you might want to follow this link to Lisa 20 von Drasek's blog post from Huffington Post in response to the issue:
ooks_b_761387.html
Kathleen T. Horning Director Cooperative Children's Book Center 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 N. Park St Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608-263-3721 FAX: 608-262-4933
horning_at_education.wisc.edu http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
Date: Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:19:07 -0700
I think it's interesting that one NYT article has caused so much discussion (and outrage)...I read the NYT piece with some interest and much surprise. I did wonder as to the possible reasons for decreasing number of picture b ooks and finally came to the conclusion that it's a combination of things:
price (although true readers will find a way around this) the economy in general (it stinks) an increase in 'screen time' for kids (scary stuff) the push toward reading chapter books earlier (I have seen this professiona lly and personally) I wouldn't place all the blame on parents though--curre nt trends in education play a role as well as the competitive heat to get i nto the choice colleges (yes, it starts in Kindergarten for some).
Over the last few years, it does seem as though there are so many new autho rs trying their hand at picture book writing. I see a lot of bad attempts c ome across my desk. I also see many beautiful ones too--but, this is always the case or else how could I appreciate the diamonds? As I read the NYT pi ece, I thought perhaps publishers producing fewer picture books might not b e a bad thing. Would give me more to spend on the quality titles. :)
Someone posted earlier today that they think this publishing downturn is a cyclical event. I have to agree...because despite digital publishing, readi ng to young children is one of the more pleasurable aspects of child raisin g. And I honestly don't think the intimacy of reading a book together is go ing away--this kind of bonding is like family meals--substantial and far-re aching into adulthood. Reading aloud to young children provides an anchor i n an otherwise chaotic sea.
Despite the fact that fewer picture books are being made, it would seem tha t our (writers, artists, teachers, librarians, etc.) job hasn't changed...a nd it isn't unlike a preacher whose flock has strayed. Convincing folks to read aloud to their babies, toddlers, preschoolers is an uphill battle. But definitely one worth fighting.
Celeste Steward Collection Development Librarian IV Alameda County Library 2450 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 (510)745-1586
Message-----
From: Kathleen T. Horning
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2010 11:05 AM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject:
A librarian's Response to the NYTimes rrticle on pictur e books
If you haven't seen it yet, you might want to follow this link to Lisa 20 von Drasek's blog post from Huffington Post in response to the issue:
ooks_b_761387.html
Kathleen T. Horning Director Cooperative Children's Book Center 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 N. Park St Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608-263-3721 FAX: 608-262-4933
horning_at_education.wisc.edu http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/
---Received on Fri 05 Nov 2010 01:19:07 PM CDT
