Kate Temple writes: "Next time we go into a bookshop, we need to ask: 'What's new? What are kids reading today?'" This call to action highlights a critical issue in the world of children's literature, where the pull of nostalgic classics often overshadows the vibrant new titles that better mirror modern life.
The Golden Era of Australian Picture Books
The 1980s marked a golden age for Australian picture books, with beloved titles like Possum Magic, Animalia, and Who Sank the Boat? capturing the imagination of a generation. These books filled a gap by representing Australia in ways that hadn't been seen before, and they remain cherished today, as evidenced by their strong showing in Guardian Australia's reader poll for the best picture books of all time.
However, the publishing landscape that fostered these legacy titles has transformed dramatically. As author Graeme Base noted, pitching a book like Animalia today would likely end in failure. The dream of selling millions of copies has become a rarity, making it harder than ever to create new homegrown classics that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Challenges Facing Modern Authors
Today's children's authors confront a host of obstacles that their predecessors did not. The rise of celebrity authors, the influx of AI-generated books, reduced shelf time in bookshops, and the decline of school librarians all contribute to a difficult environment. A book that takes two years to produce might only spend a few weeks on display before being relegated to the shelves, facing what publishers grimly term "death by spine."
Compounding this issue is the dominance of nostalgic books. Classic titles continue to hold prime positions, largely driven by the emotional memories of adult buyers. Publishers capitalise on this by ensuring constant reprints and anniversary editions, perpetuating the cycle and crowding out newer works.
The Value of Contemporary Children's Literature
This nostalgia can create a misleading perception that older books are superior or more representative of childhood. In reality, the quality of Australian children's books remains world-class, as any teacher librarian would attest. But contemporary books offer something unique: they reflect the current world and its values.
For instance, older titles like There's a Hippopotamus On Our Roof Eating Cake, with its depiction of a mother on a salad diet, may clash with today's emphasis on self-acceptance. Similarly, The Tiger Who Came to Tea portrays a single-income household waiting for dad to return from work, a scenario that doesn't align with the diverse family structures of modern life.
Diversity and Representation in Modern Stories
Newer books actively embrace diversity, allowing young readers to see their communities and experiences reflected in fiction. Titles such as White Sunday, which explores Samoan culture, Come Over to My House, which addresses deafness and disability, and Under the Love Umbrella, which includes LGBTQIA+ families, help children develop empathy and curiosity about others.
While legacy titles like the Rainbow Serpent have been vital in representing Indigenous culture, contemporary First Nations authors such as Kirli Saunders, Gregg Dreise, and Trevor Fourmile are now generously sharing their stories with young readers, enriching the literary landscape.
Fostering Resilience Through Fiction
Modern children's fiction also plays a crucial role in helping children navigate complex social and environmental issues. For example, Kate Temple's own book, Room on Our Rock, tackles the global refugee crisis through allegory, providing a safe space for young minds to build resilience and critical thinking skills.
Writers and illustrators aim to connect children to the world around them, but breaking through a market dominated by nostalgia is an uphill battle. To cultivate the next generation of lifelong readers, it's essential to support the local creative industry and champion new classics that are anchored in this era.
A Call to Action for Readers and Buyers
As Temple urges, we must actively seek out and promote new titles in bookshops. By asking "What's new? What are kids reading today?" we can help ensure that shelves aren't monopolised by the past. If we fail to make room for contemporary stories alongside legacy titles, we risk missing out on the rich, diverse narratives that define childhood today.
In the end, fostering a love for reading means embracing both the old and the new, but with a keen eye on the stories that speak to the present moment. The future of children's literature depends on it.
