What I should have said is “one reasonable interpretation of the book, if you want to read anything into it at all, is…” Because I could say it’s “about” any number of things, not just the power of books.

Except for those ages who can’t read, and can’t read carefully, and… hey! what the heck? Let’em have a try… because, after all, who needs’em? (Just kidding. Really. Heh heh heh)

I love the above post. It’s so true. I can’t wait to see your book when it’s finished. Do you have a release date?

James

I agree there is no ‘right’ answer so far as what makes a good picture book, or a good story book when it comes to work count or anything else. Editors and agents all have a POV, and it evolves and changes and they respond to the market and dollars grossed and pick what they think will sell.
The addition of ‘flair’ (do I dare call it that?) to books is marketing driven and attempts, I think, to increase the perceived value (to a parent) as well as entice a child to pick the book with stickers vs. the book without stickers. Fair enough I suppose.
I do think video games and TV exposure is a negative overall. I think they are both passive forms (yes, a video game is technically active, but the experience is one of breadth not depth compared to a book). I am a parent and I try to regulate as much as possible the TV hours my daughter watches. I’d rather she get ‘bored’ and picks up a book, than turns on the TV or the XBox. What parent wouldn’t?
I am probably a bit old fashioned in my belief that a book allows for a richer, more imaginative experience for a child and greatly encourages growth of intellect and reasoning. It’s not a miracle cure and I am not pronouncing other media ‘bad’. I guess moderation is the key.
As for books, I am partial to what would be called story books now days. But less and less of them are published these days. Maybe that will change?
-M

Can’t wait to see what you have been up to. I remember seeing early work like 2 years ago and it was really cool. Send it!
-M