Indian Parents Take Fun Out of the Fairytale
One of the main challenges facing publishing houses that target young readers here is Indian parents. They are the ones who buy the books– and they usually want their sons and daughters to learn, rather than just enjoy a fairy tale.
The bizarre result is that when it comes to children’s books in India, there’s much more nonfiction than playful fantasy.
“All that sells is nonfiction,” said Sayoni Basu, editor of children’s publishing house Scholastic.
“Parents don’t want their children to read about teddies,” said Jerry Pinto, who writes about both Bollywood screen sirens and stuffed animals. His last book for children was “A Bear for Felicia” (2008).
Instead, parents are often drawn to simplified versions of seminal texts, which are some of the biggest sells. Those are great stories too—but they come laden with life lessons that some children’s publishers say can be a little heavy.
Indian Parents might be on to something!! It just might be better not to fill your little girl’s head with stories of a Knight in Shining Armor who will come and fall madly in love with you and take you off to his grand castle. I was raised on that stuff and then I was unbelievably disappointed when my fairytale blew up in my face! My first fiance turned out to be a frog rather than prince. 🙁
I think if you are raised on stories of starting your own business, endless entrepreneurship possibilities, you will be much happier. How about “Lakshmi’s Lemonade Stand” or “Sandeep’s New Satellite device”? “And then she lived happily ever after in her beautiful new castle filled with Jimmy Choos and Chanel!”
It is such pressure to have children these days! If I adopt a baby, will I have to start him/her on Greek Mythology and American History before age 2?
i tottaly agree they shouldnt fill those young minds with staff like that “unrealistic”.
they should give them books about something useful such as history books, science books etc…
something will help them with their learning and future. 🙂
I think that if child fiction publications taught valuable business/life lessons, they would be successful. A new opportunity in publishing is emerging.