You make so many great points here. There's room for all kinds of kids' books, jyst as there are all kinds of readers. And many ways to tell stories that excite kids to read, which should be something to celebrate.
TY, Darcy, for your take on this. I applaud that you have taken the time to read not only his book but also Bowles book. Making art with a capital A. in any realm is difficult whether it be painting sculpting acting, playing music. And by the way, who gets to decide what is art with a capital A? In the Western world it all began with the white male. The rest of us were not even considered art makers.
I so appreciate your article so much. I especially agree with this statement: "People complain about the surge in children’s books and suggest that the answer is fewer books. Instead, I think we need to accept the many paths to successful storytelling and find the ones that resonate with the kids we encounter."
Accepting many paths to storytelling isn't just an artistic argument — it's a justice argument. The gatekeeping of children's literature has long decided that Black and Brown children's stories didn't rise to the level of 'real literary experience.' We cannot let anyone — however well-intentioned — define what art is and whose stories deserve to be told.
“He’s grasping for a higher standard for children’s literature, and I applaud that. But as a children’s book author, his emphasis on Art as children’s literature leaves me cold and unable to write.”
Yes. What did he think people were going to take away from his book?
For the general audience, he’s telling them to respect children as people and readers — but he provides no guidance as to which modern children’s books he sees as positive examples of this (the 5.3%). Why didn’t he take the opportunity to point his readers towards some of this so-called “better” material? From articles and comments I have read, his lack of specificity has left many members of the general audience patting their own backs for having good taste like Mac — when in fact they’re just as likely to be waltzing into bookstores and walking out with stacks of books that Mac would deplore. Any book consumer can take whatever they feel like taking away from Make Believe, because it is so vague on the details.
And then of course for creators, which may actually be the majority who are actually reading this book, you have nailed it with your quote. If Mac wants people to write better books for kids, this sure ain’t the way to do it. “You guys are writing bad books. It’s not Art. Do better.” What a great way to loosen up our creative muscles and help us lean into our innate, intuitive, inherited ability that we as humans have to tell great stories!
You make so many great points here. There's room for all kinds of kids' books, jyst as there are all kinds of readers. And many ways to tell stories that excite kids to read, which should be something to celebrate.
Though not one that dives deep, Art and Fear sits atop my stack of books. It aligns and inspires my philosophy as a creative.
Yes! ART AND FEAR has held my hands through many days of despair.
A very thoughtful response.
Just what I expect from you, Darcy: a thoughtful, well-reasoned response.🥰
TY, Darcy, for your take on this. I applaud that you have taken the time to read not only his book but also Bowles book. Making art with a capital A. in any realm is difficult whether it be painting sculpting acting, playing music. And by the way, who gets to decide what is art with a capital A? In the Western world it all began with the white male. The rest of us were not even considered art makers.
I don’t have any problems writing them. Publishing is another matter. 🙄
Well, that's another whole process, isn't it?
It sure is. I am submitting to trads (no agents required). Formatting text and photos on Kindle print and ebooks did not work for me.
Wholeheartedly and passionately agree!
I so appreciate your article so much. I especially agree with this statement: "People complain about the surge in children’s books and suggest that the answer is fewer books. Instead, I think we need to accept the many paths to successful storytelling and find the ones that resonate with the kids we encounter."
Accepting many paths to storytelling isn't just an artistic argument — it's a justice argument. The gatekeeping of children's literature has long decided that Black and Brown children's stories didn't rise to the level of 'real literary experience.' We cannot let anyone — however well-intentioned — define what art is and whose stories deserve to be told.
“He’s grasping for a higher standard for children’s literature, and I applaud that. But as a children’s book author, his emphasis on Art as children’s literature leaves me cold and unable to write.”
Yes. What did he think people were going to take away from his book?
For the general audience, he’s telling them to respect children as people and readers — but he provides no guidance as to which modern children’s books he sees as positive examples of this (the 5.3%). Why didn’t he take the opportunity to point his readers towards some of this so-called “better” material? From articles and comments I have read, his lack of specificity has left many members of the general audience patting their own backs for having good taste like Mac — when in fact they’re just as likely to be waltzing into bookstores and walking out with stacks of books that Mac would deplore. Any book consumer can take whatever they feel like taking away from Make Believe, because it is so vague on the details.
And then of course for creators, which may actually be the majority who are actually reading this book, you have nailed it with your quote. If Mac wants people to write better books for kids, this sure ain’t the way to do it. “You guys are writing bad books. It’s not Art. Do better.” What a great way to loosen up our creative muscles and help us lean into our innate, intuitive, inherited ability that we as humans have to tell great stories!