Page 23 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL 12

The new generation of parents realised that their children need to start reading at an early age, but were disappointed by the quality of locally published children’s booksSince Malaysia’s participation in the Bologna International Book Fair in 2009, people took notice that Malaysia has little to offer in terms of children’s content. Children’s books were mostly imported, and very costly. The new generation of parents realised that their children need to start reading at an early age, but were disappointed by the quality of locally published children’s books.What more should be done to help children’s literature thrive?I would say that international exposure and training for authors, illustrators and publishers are needed. We cannot remain cooped up with old standards and expect things to improve. Teachers and librarians must also undergo a paradigm shift and further their training, such as in storytelling and information literacy to increase their exposure to what is happening in the 21st century.Read more on KLTCC via this QR code