The better children's authors not only get away from stereotyping but expose it. They empathise with a child's experiences, feelings, pleasures and pains and speak their language but in a language that respects their ability and existence as people in their own right - not to be treated as simpletons or as though they are incapable of understanding complexities and pain as well as pleasure.

Good children's authors extend vocabulary, promote initiative & thought, model positive language use and respect the child's self image and worth. In doing so, they also model the importance of difference and diversity and of its benefits.

They avoid racism, sexism, elitism, shaming, and other such sad views that were common in works from earlier ages. They also bring new and creative wonder to many traditional fairy tales and other works and, by doing so, give them a fresh and more appropriate representation of modern views.

I would recommend that anyone with an interest in children's welfare and development into compassionate, caring and articulate adults, delve into a couple of books on children's literature and take the opportunity to read reviews of good children's books which are now relatively plentiful.

For a long time, there has been little need to be enticed by the endless versions of old staples that litter supermarket shelves and, sadly, still the shelves of many otherwise sound bookstores.

Take care. Stay safe. ☮️