Parents say they are careful in choosing what their kids read

Bengaluru: In an age when children are exposed to vast amounts of information, parents are becoming more cautious about the books their kids read. Gone are the days of simply choosing classics or popular stories — today, many parents curate their kids' bookshelves, seeking out titles that promote positive values, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence while avoiding content they deem inappropriate or harmful.At Neev Literature Festival 2024, parents actively engaged in conversations about how to protect children from the content they are exposed to. Parents are now more aware of the subtle messages in children's literature, making deliberate choices to ensure the stories kids engage with are both safe and enriching.Prashanth Nair, a parent, said, "I can't help but feel concerned when certain books swing young readers' ideas ideologically one way or the other. These are impressionable minds, and while I want to give my kids the benefit of the doubt and trust their intellect, I'm not sure how well they can process certain material if it's presented in a convincing manner. It's worrisome when the narrative swings too far right or left — it feels like it's too early for them to make such judgments."On the other hand, Kavitha, another participant, highlighted, "I find myself carefully reading through pages or looking at reviews before picking a book. It's not just about entertainment anymore; it's about what kind of messages are being absorbed. I want my kids to learn kindness, empathy, and positive values, not be exposed to things that could negatively impact them."Another parent pointed out that the market of books has been globalised, which can result in different cultural contexts. "As a parent, the choice of words in children's books is something I pay close attention to. What might be considered casual language in countries like the US or the UK can have a different impact on kids growing up in India. For example, a word that's used casually to express emotion elsewhere might be seen as inappropriate here... They start using those words with their friends or cousins without understanding the weight or the impact those words might have," he said.The two-day literature festival ended Sunday.Nothing is taboo hereIn recent times, children's literature has begun exploring topics once considered taboo, such as suicide, depression, and death. Authors are increasingly crafting stories that offer young readers a way to understand and process difficult emotions, helping them navigate real-world challenges, said Emma House, a publisher based out of the UK. "Our society is evolving, and children are already exposed to these topics — TV addresses them all the time. So, why shouldn't books do the same, right? I believe books have the ability to approach these subjects in a thoughtful, curated way. It's important to think carefully about how to introduce topics like suicide or depression in a gentle and understanding manner. Books can provide kids with the vocabulary to express their emotions and raise important questions, sparking meaningful debates and discussions. If a book addresses these issues well, parents should read them too, either together with their kids or on their own, to foster that discussion between us," she added. Evolving illustrations In an interview with TOI, Sophie Blackall, award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, talked about illustrations coming under more spotlight than earlier. "Our readers have started to appreciate and respect illustrations in novels as an art form and that it can be for all age groups of readers." Remarking on the future trends of illustration in books, she said, "While digital art is now all the rage for creating illustrations, there is a lot of value tied to handmade illustrations as they exhibit uniqueness in art forms. Maybe in the next 10 years, technology might have to take a back seat for us (illustrators)."