Choices, choices!

The children’s books market is among the fastest growing in local bookstores with the bewildering array of titles only growing larger every day. What’s a confused parent to do?

Tots to Teens

By DAPHNE LEE

THANKS to this column, I’m designated children’s book-buyer for friends and family who want to purchase gifts or build a library for their kids.

I’ve also just started offering my services to families as well as commercial institutions like clinics, hospitals, playschools and so on.

You’ve heard of personal shoppers for clothes and accessories? That’s me, but I shop for books.

When choosing books for a collection that will be used by kids of all ages and tastes, one should of course start with a selection of core titles that includes classics as well as critically acclaimed contemporary fiction. Commercial titles shouldn’t be left out. And neither should non-fiction: many children find reading encyclopaedias and reference books easier and more enjoyable than fiction.

When buying for just one child or a family of children, it’s imperative to consider their personal preferences. Find out what they like by talking to them and finding out what and who they’ve read and enjoyed. Once again, provide a core collection of classics and award-winning titles that will give them room to explore and that will push the boundaries of what they already know.

For younger children whose tastes are not yet formed, it’s all about experimenting. Of course, the prices of books being what they are, this could get expensive. Ideally, you should be able to visit your local library with your kids and let them try a little of every thing or whatever catches their attention.

I know that mums and dads find choosing books for their offspring quite a challenge, especially if they are unfamiliar with children’s books themselves.

I went shopping for a four-year-old recently and was confronted by shelves filled with hundreds of picture books, mostly arranged spines out.

As they were mostly paperback editions, there was no way of knowing what these books were without taking them off the shelves. The very thought of going through all the books in order to find something suitable very nearly made me decide to get the child a teddy bear instead, and I wondered how much more daunting it might be for someone without the slightest idea what to look for.

Unfortunately, the staff at most local bookstores are no help at all. If you ask them to recommend something they will most likely hand you a Disney treasury, a Winnie the Pooh (Disney version) or something based on a children’s television series – these books are popular with kids for obvious reasons, but it would be good if bookstore staff could broaden the reading horizons of kids by coming up with more suggestions.

Librarians are no better. I have yet to meet a local children’s librarian who knows Cabot from Carroll, Grahame from Gravett. As far as I can tell, most Malaysian librarians don’t actually read. I haven’t yet plucked up the courage to ask any why they then chose the profession. Perhaps the pay is spectacular.

So, what do you do if you want to bless the child in your life with books and you haven’t the slightest idea where to start? Well, you can e-mail me (oneredflower@gmail.com) for some tips on choosing titles and on getting to know your child’s tastes. You could also ask friends who do read or friends who do buy books for their children.

Kinokuniya Bookstores at KLCC is in the midst of organising sessions for those who want some guidance in choosing children’s books. At these sessions, participants will be encouraged to swap their experiences. Seto Kit Sau, the children’s book buyer at Kinokuniya, will share her thoughts on what makes a good children’s book and I will also be there to give my two sen worth.

All participants will receive a special 15% discount card on registration. Watch this space for the date, time, and location of the first session.

Registration (which is free) is advised: e-mail kidlitguide@gmail.com.

Walk-ins on the day itself will also be entertained if there’s room.