Kids books to have happy endings?

I am watching the Wright Stuff this morning (as per usual) and am awaiting the next talking point which is about the fact that children's books should have happier endings. As a bookseller, this is of particular interest to me. According to former children's laureate, Anne Fine, modern books are too "bleak". I suppose that would be true if all children's books were like that but not all children are interested in fairies and bubbles and sunshine. I have had a few requests from little boys (at the bookshop) for war stories and action stories. This would suggest that there is in fact a market for this type of thing. Even the Harry Potter stories which are fantasy have an element of death, evil and suspense BUT on balance, a strong sense of friendship and morals. I just think whilst this is a valid opinion when you consider the numbers of books which feature "bleak" themes such as murder, suicide and violence, there is a danger of 'mollycoddling' or shielding children from the harsh reality that is life if you take these away. Obviously, these books are not being forced on the children and they are becoming interested and choosing to read these books. Even the classics aren't all that tame!

*Nannying alert*

I have to agree to an extent though, and say that I have been slightly alarmed by some of the newer titles coming onto to the market, but I would have to consider the individual child and judge whether I thought that they would be affected by what they read. If all children's books had happy endings, there would be a great disappointment to these children when they got old enough and realised that they'd been somewhat brainwashed and that bad things DO happen in the world.

You can read the article here...

CBC

xx