i just got my November/December issue of The Hornbook. In it is Richard Peck's 'Zena Sutherland Lecture', and i quote from his introduction, paying homage to Zena Sutherland:

'For all of us who write for the young and the half-grown; for all of us who believe that picture book illustration has better not be second-rate art; for all of us who believe that childhood is a jungle, not a garden; for all of us who believe the story still stands because fiction is truer than fact, ...'

i don't know who Zena Sutherland is, forgive my ignorance but i found this description so touching because ultimately, when we sell children's books, then we should know what we are actually trying to provide. Some may think that children's books are simple and you can sell any damn thing to those gullible parents and their not-so knowledgeable kids. But let me ask you then, what's the use of a buyer, a bookseller or maybe a librarian - if not to present the right books to the world?

Sure, we want to make money, too.

So achieving the right balance is important.

Also, i quote another line:

'... the young deserve a well-crafted story - and that they could take it. That the narrative is a structure strong and supple enough to tell the traditional tale while tumbling taboos. That sentimentality is the enemy of both literature and politics. That you can pity the young or prepare them for the world, but you cannot do both.'

Wow! i'm so impressed by such vision. Honestly though, when i first started buying books, never did it cross my mind that i'll stand by these words, too and say, yup ezackly. Now i do.

In fact, i've just finish listening to the audiobook of Golden Compass, and can't stop marvelling over how this book and the other two of His Dark Materials, embodies some of these values. That you should't short change them just because they are kids. That you shouldn't dumb down the writing for they are only younger, not any less intelligent. That you should not shy from telling it as it is, for believe it or not, the eyes of the innocent can tell a faker just the same.

i believe that. Because i've had the opportunity to read books like the Golden Compass and understand the beauty of books like these. Written with such elegance and thought, they make you respect the artistry of children's literature.

Honestly, to get a child to read and love reading - ultimately, apart from those run-of-the-mill readers and chapters, they need these kinds of books to instill a true love for literature. These kinds are books that respect the reader and in turn, win their respect.

Still, as true booksellers, us are not to question. Our role is to keep the balance between making a profit and getting good books into the hands of people who appreciate them.
(even though, sometimes it's kinda tough on my own pocket, too) ;-p