Is the Picture Book Dead?
April 4, 2008 by Kelly Phillips Erb
Filed under Parenting
The Economist posted an interesting article that warned of the impending demise of the picture book.
The gist of the article is that fewer picture books are being produced for sale due to the cost of production. Since picture books cost more to make, publishers have to charge more for them. The higher cost of the books may turn off consumers – in turn, bookstores are ordering fewer to offer for sale.
As the mother of toddlers and early readers, I have to say that I have never really balked on the cost of a picture book. Ironically, I have put adult fiction for me back on the shelf because of the increased cost associated with paperback books ($15 for an afternoon read, no thank you). But not children’s picture books.
I guess I am drawn to the picture books because of their longevity. Since picture books rely so much on imagination, my children can look at them over and over and the story never seems to get old (well, for them).
But maybe I’m the odd parent out… So, I’m curious to know. Does the price of a book affect your decision to buy? Are you less likely to buy a picture book based on cost?
I am like you. I rarely purchase adult books, partly because of the price, which seems more costly since it is likely that I will read the book only once, and partly because I can read a series from the library easily. Also, I don’t chew on *my* books or hug them or carry them everywhere… We have spent a ridiculous amount of money on books for my daughter and I don’t begrudge a cent of it. I buy lots from Scholastic. The paperbacks are less sturdy but allow for a wider range in the collection. We borrow books from the library, too, of course.
Interesting article.
I have lived in 3 different countries now and can say without a doubt that you have the most inexpensive books I’ve ever seen in stores.