Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sangay Glass on May 8, 2012 at 6:47pm

First of all, I find Dahl stories creepy and not in a good way.

Second, the visual simulation of the fantastical in movies leaves little room to wow in the way of reading.

I can't speak for all kids, but I found when my daughters chose reading materials, they chose simple nature stories,like Call of the Wild and science fiction, like War of the Worlds.When I did Scouts, there was a lack of desire to invent and create, and forget just rewards, kids are taught adult bullies should go to jail.

IMHO... over the top characters and whirly gigs that so impressed generations where corporal punishment was the norm and a rubber-band propelled airplanes were a coveted treat are a thing of the past, but... these elements have evolved in pop culture in Superheroes, Magical Realms, and Lady Gaga where a new morality is born that incorporates timely values.

Permalink Reply by Jill Celeste on May 9, 2012 at 8:56pm

The technology age, as powerful as it may be, may influence the "wants" of our children, but hopefully it is not a major determinant of their "needs" in terms of books. Technology makes a parent's job all the more complex as we make sure our children are up to date in using technology, safe while using technology, and yet supported and encouraged to read and use their visual imaginations.  

I think the time old tradition of reading to children, family reading time, reading a book before we see the movie with our kids and then discussing how their images from reading the book were reflected or not reflected in the movie are all things that take a real effort and planning on a parent's part. Much harder than allowing them to sit with streaming games and movies.

If we do these things when they are young. It will stick with them....even through the teen years when they are making their own choices...often as teens they may abandon those values....but it is strange how they return and are spoken of with fondness once they are done rebelling.

We as adults and parents need to embrace the tech age or we are not credible anymore...yet with that we have the power to temper the exposure and provide guidance into the realms of personal imagination and creativity.

Permalink Reply by Denise M H Fuller on May 9, 2012 at 9:06pm

As a youth librarian, I had kids asking for Roald Dahl books and other classics, but what I found more often was that kids wanted series books with lots of formula books in them.  The reason for this was that when they finished a book, they didn't have to think about what they wanted to read next.  Some kids read everything in a series and then asked me if there was a similar series I could recommend.

Permalink Reply by Sangay Glass on May 9, 2012 at 9:43pm

I can understand that because I personally will read another book of an author I liked, rather than try something new/. In children's books I gave the most lead-way as far as "curb appeal", but I'd always sought favorite authors first in this genre.

Denise, this should be a wake up call to new writers. There is a lot of competition out there, you must be on your game every step of the way, in writing, editing, and presentation.

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on May 10, 2012 at 3:50pm

I prefer to believe that a good story is forever. 

Permalink Reply by Jill Celeste on May 10, 2012 at 3:58pm

Agree...and personally, I like reading a good story from a handheld Book rather than a handheld Nook.