Picture Book Trends Update: Fall 2012
This summer, I lamented the fact that the big box bookstore no longer featured picture books in its main display in the children's section. I went in a couple of weeks ago and, happily, the picture books are back:
I also take heart, because although it still helps to be Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, or Laura Numeroff to get featured on the main shelf, look at the top left corner. Sherri Duskey Rinker is a first-time author who has seen her debut picture book, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site rocket to the best-seller charts. My blogging friend Romelle Broas has a fascinating interview with Sherri about how she defied all the unwritten rules of the publishing industry (no rhyming books, you need an agent, no bedtime stories) to achieve her success.
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I also take heart, because although it still helps to be Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, or Laura Numeroff to get featured on the main shelf, look at the top left corner. Sherri Duskey Rinker is a first-time author who has seen her debut picture book, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site rocket to the best-seller charts. My blogging friend Romelle Broas has a fascinating interview with Sherri about how she defied all the unwritten rules of the publishing industry (no rhyming books, you need an agent, no bedtime stories) to achieve her success.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
- Picture Book Trends: mid 2012 Report (Aug. 2012)
- More Picture Book Trends: Holiday Edition (Nov. 2011)
- Picture Book Trends: Part 2 (Oct. 2011)
All so true, Sylvia. The backlist does dominate so it's so nice to see at least a few new books up there!
ReplyDeleteI love these book shelf photos. It gives a good indication of what is popular, selling well or new in. Wouldn't it be great if we all did this in the town/city we lived in. The books would vary from town to town, country to country.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. I always wondered if a chain like this gives managers discretion on their displays.
DeleteFunny, I was just browsing through the shelf of your picture and noticed that all of these PBs are written by established authors, except Sherri! That should be a proud moment for her. She's among the legends! Thanks for the mention, Sylvia!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post.. I'm going to explore your website now!
ReplyDeleteHi, can i ask you something? I’m looking for children books with “scary” animal illustrations like the big bad wolf (or a fox) eating pigs (or seven kids or Red Riding hood or birds in Chicken Little) or being pictured with a fat stomach. Could be any other animal as well. Have you seen any book of this sort? Any sort of help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeletenelly
Hi Nelly. I just came across a new wordless picture book called "Bear Despair" byGaetan Doremus, which is about an angry bear that eats up all of the animals that takes its teddy bear. Very interesting & fits your request. I can't think of any other books off the top of my head, where the swallowing of others is actually illustrated.
DeleteThanks for your help, i appreciate it!
Deletenelly