Trends Children’s Publishing
Scholastic’s 2017 Children’s Book Trend Predictions http://oomscholasticblog.com/post/top-trends-childrens-books-2017
LESSONS ON KINDESS WILL BE KEY This past year’s news headlines can provide children a false perception that the world is unkind and hostile. Parents and educators can take the opportunity to find books by authors and artists who are doing their part to implement the need for kindness in an uncertain world. For younger children, look for titles that teach the importance of empathy, openness and sharing. For older children, discover titles that showcase the power of unexpected friendships.
BOOK ANNIVERSARIES WILL REINTRODUCE MODERN CLASSICS The 30th anniversary of The Magic School Bus, the 25th anniversary of Goosebumps, and the 20th anniversary of Captain Underpants will introduce a new fan base to these popular franchises. In addition, the new television series revamp of The Magic School Bus, as well as the upcoming film release of Captain Underpants and a new release in Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series will be on every kid’s reading wish list.
“FUNNY” IS STILL NUMBER ONE The number one characteristic kids look for when picking out a book to read for fun is “make me laugh.”Looking for “laugh out loud” reads is one way to help a child associate reading as a fun and pleasurable activity.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH WILL GROW As social media grows and it becomes more difficult to decipher what’s “real” news versus fake “news,” parents and educators can introduce children to the structure of nonfiction reads, biographies and other important titles that will teach children the basic skills of discerning accurate information.
CLASSICS WILL RETURN – AND BE REINVENTED A great way to get kids introduced to new genres and stories is reading classic fairy tales – with an unexpected twist. Meet Little Red Riding Hood, but this time as a superhero. Revisit the land of Oz with the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion as the cast of characters from the Geronimo Stilton series. Children’s literature is always being reimagined in new ways and putting favorite characters into a new world of hijinks is bound to get children of all ages interested in reading for fun.
Physical Books (Telegraph) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/12/books-are-back-printed-book-sales-rise-for-first-time-in-four-ye/
• "2015 was the year when the physical book fought back. "It was also the year when the joy of the beautiful physical book, not just to be coloured in, came to the fore." • "Some of the production values on trade titles were stunning, with special editions and backlist reinventions gaining more shelf space on our high streets."