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 ([email protected]) 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 [email protected]. Walk-ins on the day itself will also be entertained if there’s room.
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