Over at Eureka Street, which is emerging as a quality online journal since its paper version demise, children’s publisher Hilary Rogers reflects beautifully on the dilemma of raising children in a world that we didn’t grow up in and know and understand as they do. (Read it here)
Within her discussion of the challenges of publishing books that will entertain and support the development of our children are some of the key points raisied in Idolising Children. How do we include children? How do we produce media for them in a respectful way? DO we idealise our own childhood and how does it effect the way we support the development of children today?
Hilary’s final point is perfect. She tells us we must listen, but also shows the reality of the challenges of a world that needs to compete to sell products/books:
Ultimately, we need to listen, not just remember. Books have to compete with Foxtel and Playstation in a way that they used to compete with roller-skating and Dynasty re-runs for me. I’d love to think the books we are making now might one day belong in that charmed, timeless exceptions section, but first I’d like to make books that kids love now. I won’t put chocolate under those flaps, but it’s tempting.
No doubt Hardie Grant will be putting out some quality books with a publisher who engages with the issues in this way. Respect to them.
July 31st, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Hardie Grant put out an absolutely scrumptious book on Florence Broadhurst (which is by the by.) So if they have the will to produce some good kids’ books, I’m sure they will find the way.
And I agree about Eureka Street, it is going great guns.
Very nice blog, Mr. D.