Stories by the likes of Enid Blyton, Charles Dickens and Louisa May Alcott have shaped so many childhoods for decades, but the trend seems to be changing now. According to children's libraries in the city, very few children pick up these classics out of interest and even when they do, it is only because of their school syllabus.
Children are now taking more interest in new upcoming authors who understand their psychology better and who they can relate to in terms of language. The Harry Potter series for instance are a hit with all ages and are read and re-read.
“I see a new trend in terms of what kids are reading. We grew up reading authors like Ms Blyton and Dickens but tastes have changed. Children who have reached an age where they can pick out their own books are very exposed to the popular culture – the language is simpler,” explained Subha Rajawesh, who runs Discover Kids, a children’s library in the city.
“The classics will always be there but they definitely aren’t that popular as they used to be.” she added. The library that has over five thousand books is twelve years old and though children initially did pick up classics, they are moving to newer titles.
Gayathri Thirthapura of Kootuhaala library cum bookshop in Basavangudi echoes the same sentiments. “Kids who are old enough to pick up their own books are exploring in my experience. They have moved on from reading older books and tend to read books from both Indian and International publications. Tulika and Pratham’s books are quite popular amongst the desi books. Helen Oxenbury and John Burningham are liked, but JK Rowling’s Harry Potter of course it’s a new age classic.” And a rage.
The Harry Potter Series and Hogwarts inspired books like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch through the Ages and Tales of Beedle The Bard are a hit with all age groups that are old enough to read, added Falak Randerian from My little Chatterbox.
“Kids love it. They pick it up without a second thought. My daughter loves it and so do the kids who come to the store.” With the movie release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them, it will get even more popular and editions will fly off shelves just like the last release of the Cursed Child, she added.
