Our books for kids

The other night I watched Miss Potter, a film about Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit and other animal characters. She took her first book to a number of publishers who rejected it, but the directors of Frederick Warne & Co gave it as a project to the youngest brother, who was just joining the firm. The book was an unexpected success, and Beatrix Potter's work continues to sell, making her one of the most successful children's authors ever.
It made me think again of the fact that children's books can easily and all too often be underestimated and undervalued. The simple fact is that, while adult book sales have been hit by digital forms and alternative distractions, children's book sales are booming. The Bookseller reports that "The UK children’s book market grew more than 7% in the first quarter of 2016 . . . Kids books are therefore on track to have a “very good year”, especially considering the market grew 5.1% in 2015 from 2014, when sales hit an “all time high”" Happily, there are a number of active and successful Christian publishers producing books for children at various reading ages.

Christian Focus Publications have produced two books in recent years for WEC: The Golden Chariot and 40 Days 40 Bites. The Golden Chariot is a collection of stories by MKs (missionary kids) produced for WEC's centenary, based on the unique experiences that MKs have as they travel the world. 40 Days 40 Bites is a family guide to pray for the world. Both are suitable for children of primary school age.

Christian Focus produce a number of other good books for children with a missionary theme. Dernier Publishing also have books with an international flavour. Christmas is coming. Books make excellent presents.