Children's Books discussion

I'd like to know what people think is more important in a children's book, humor or a message. This is not to say that they are exclusive. Several of my books are humorous but still have an important message behind it. I'm wondering about the proliferation of books about farts and burps and such. They seem to sell incredibly well. Now I don't agree with preachy books. No one likes to be trapped listening to a "do this" message being pounded into them. If you had the choice between buying a book that taught you to live in balance with nature and a funny book that talked about farts, which would you pick and why?

I like there to be a message in books. Getting the message across in a way that the child would consider entertaining is important, but books that are just about farts and burps and things with no apparent message or lesson behind them seem pointless to me. Now, if it's a book about farts and burps because it's teaching you manners, or because it's teaching you about some of the functions of your body, then that's different. So, if I had the choice between buying a funny book about burps and farts or buying a book that teaches you to live in harmony with nature, I'd pick the nature one for certain, because learning about the world around us and learning life lessons is important, and I think pointless use of disgusting habits for so-called amusement is both disgusting and a waste of the time taken to read it. Like I said, if the use of these things is to teach about the body and manners in a way children will find amusing, that's different, but if they're there just for the sake of making children who find them entertaining laugh then I think they're a waste of space.

Thanks. I feel the same way. I also think teaching kids to enjoy subtle humour instead of in your face humour is preferable. I can't believe what passes for an adult comedy movie these days. I really thought they had sunk as low as they could go until my husband told me about a movie with a man whose penis leaves his body and becomes another person. I am so bored with "toilet" humour. In order for viewers to find it funny, it has to become more and more crass. I knew we were in trouble when Jim Carey did that tasteless routine with his talking butt in the Pet Detective movie.

Well said, and I couldn't agree more!

I believe that our youth has dropped to a level where humor and "toilet" talk is all they can comprehend in a book. Their attention span is weak, and they cannot understand meaning. This must be changed, so I think that writing with a purpose or message may not be loved as much in the first place, but will help shape our children into strong readers who can appreciate a deep and meaningful story and benefit from morals and lesson.

Very well said, Madeline!

I think the key is to be able to balance the two out and discreetly camouflage the message inside the humour.

Children's books are supposed to be fun. They are supposed to be different than schoolwork or classic education.
So they are a great opportunity to throw in some messages where children least expect them to be found. And once these are found there and acknowledged by the children then they really matter and make an impact!

It is no easy task!

If you like check out my new children's book about the Superpowers of a father! I am giving some copies away if you are interested in order to get some honest feedback and reviews on Amazon. Message me if you are interested :)

Thanks
Nicolas Pavlou
Author of Super Daddy Bedtime Questions
Super Daddy Bedtime Questions: An illustrated super bedtime story for super daddies and their super sons...

Very well said!

Also, good luck with your book.

I think good messages in books are essential. There are so many books out there (no names!) which are just fluff -- they're for entertainment purposes only. You have to get something out of reading a book, and it's got to be more than an entertainment fix. And Madeline, I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Yes, it's good if you can get something more than just entertainment out of a book. Although, of course, entertainment is also important.

Of course. Books without the entertainment factor don't hold your attention very long, and then the message is wasted.

I'm a huge fan of Raymond Briggs, who has drawn a lot of graphic novels for kids (and adults) including The Snowman and Where the Wind Blows. But my favourite book of his as a kid was Fungus the Bogeyman. I read that book over and over and loved it. I picked it up recently and it grossed me out! I couldn't get beyond the first couple of pages with all the references to snot and the like.

I think kids have a different sensibility. Sometimes, it's good for them to get lost in a world which most adults don't "get". They'll probably grow out of it, and in the meantime, it's keeping them reading and away from the screens.

So interesting Alex! I've not read any of those books, but now am intrigued. That makes sense... sometimes what we love as a kid doesn't affect us the same as adults, which is another consideration when writing/reading for children.

And I agree with all of you above, it's nice to have a balance of entertainment and message. As adults, depending on your mood, we can grab what we need at that moment. Sometimes I want to lose myself in a book, but not think much. Other times I want to learn and grow as a person. When it comes to children's books, the "grab attention" factor is necessary, but weaving a subtle message in there is good for helping little hearts grow into big, caring hearts!

That's a very good point, Alex... What children find entertaining isn't always what adults would consider entertaining, and vice versa.

I think that one goes hand in hand with the fact that you can't please everyone, because people have different likes and dislikes, so something one person will love, another might hate.

I like humor that is not too condescending, and I think that's how I feel about messages too.

Yes. A book shouldn't be overly preachy, but it should have a tangible message. You should be able to say what the message was by the time you've finished reading it.

On the other hand, the author shouldn't have to shove it in the reader's face, like "THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS ...". Another example of where showing instead of telling is the best :)

*Nods in agreement with both Jen and Ellie's comments*

I love humor, but I would say that the books that stick with me the most are those that have a lesson, and I think the same is true with the books I read as a child. Books have a way of reflecting life back at us that is unique to the medium. Through narration and the condensing of time we are able to see a more in-depth picture of the world, ourselves, and others, but because this picture is entertaining, we are willing to study it and be changed by it. Children are impressionable, but also stubborn and sometimes unwilling to listen to those more experienced. Books provide a wonderful tool for gently teaching and showing children truths and lessons. SO, if forced to choose between humor and a message, I would choose a book with a good message. But I agree with you all, too. A heavy handed moral is just annoying!

LaughingLeopardPress wrote: "I love humor, but I would say that the books that stick with me the most are those that have a lesson, and I think the same is true with the books I read as a child. Books have a way of reflecting ..."

Absolutely!

Thanks for your input.

There is something to be said about strictly humorous books, especially when you are trying to help a child who really doesn't enjoy reading to turn the corner. With that said, humor is the perfect vehicle for delivering important messages. Properly handled the young readers get the message without realizing the message was the intent of the book all along.

Donna wrote: "There is something to be said about strictly humorous books, especially when you are trying to help a child who really doesn't enjoy reading to turn the corner. With that said, humor is the perfect..."

Very true!

I agree, Donna! And every time I read posts on this thread I think about kids laughing. Don't we all love the sound of a child laughing? Then, if they are laughing while reading... oh yes! :)

Oh, yes! I love to hear children laughing, and completely agree that if they're laughing while reading then so much the better.

Such a solid point. I believe that is what motivates children's book writers. Their reaction as characters come to life, the sound of their laughter....Donna Maguire