Storycon | VP Sara’s book did not undergo kid-testing – publisher

Summary

The transcript discusses the qualifications and processes involved in writing and publishing children's books, particularly those funded by the government. It highlights the importance of considering cognitive development, appropriate vocabulary, and illustrations that cater to children's comprehension levels. The conversation also addresses the need for kid testing and editorial scrutiny to ensure the quality and suitability of the content. Concerns are raised about a specific children's book authored by a public figure, questioning its educational value, potential for self-promotion, and the use of public funds for its production.

Takeaways

• 📚 The discussion revolves around the qualifications and processes involved in writing and funding a children's book, particularly one authored by a public figure.
• 🤔 There's a concern about the suitability of the content for young readers, including the book's vocabulary, imagery, and complexity, which should align with the cognitive development of children.
• 🔍 The importance of editorial scrutiny and kid testing is highlighted to ensure the book's appropriateness and educational value for the intended age group.
• 👀 The script mentions the need for a book council or board that oversees the quality and content of children's literature to set standards.
• 🗣️ There's a call for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for publishing books, especially when they involve political figures.
• 📈 The script points out the potential issue of self-promotion within the book, which could be seen as propaganda targeting children.
• 💭 The conversation touches on the technical aspects of writing for children, such as text heaviness, sentence structure, and the need for clarity and simplicity.
• 🎨 The role of illustrations in children's books is discussed, emphasizing their importance in aiding comprehension and the potential for improvement.
• 📉 There's criticism regarding the book's production and promotion, suggesting that there are more deserving projects and authors that could benefit from public funding.
• 💬 The script includes a critique of the book's ending, which may not be suitable for children and could be seen as an attempt to influence their perception of the author.

Q & A

What was the initial concern raised about the children's book written by the VP?

The initial concern was whether there were any qualifications required for someone to write a children's book and have it government-funded.

What is the role of children's literature in cognitive development?

Children's literature plays a significant role in cognitive development as it sets standards and is involved in various aspects, including language acquisition and the cognitive growth of children.

Are there any standards or processes in place for the creation of children's books?

Yes, there are standards, and the process includes considerations for the target age group, vocabulary, word count, text, illustrations, and layout. There is also an editorial process that may involve kid testing to ensure the book is suitable for the intended audience.

How important is it for children's books to be tested with the target audience?

It is crucial as the primary consumers of the text are children, and their feedback is essential for evaluating the book's appropriateness and effectiveness.

What are the potential issues with a book that has not undergone proper editorial scrutiny?

A book that hasn't undergone proper editorial scrutiny may have problems with vocabulary, image use, and overall content alignment, leading to public criticism and concerns about the quality of the material being provided to children.

What is the significance of workshops in the creation of children's books?

Workshops are significant as they provide a space for writers and illustrators to improve the text and illustrations, ensuring that the content is developmentally appropriate and engaging for children.

Can complex themes like friendship be appropriately addressed in a children's book?

Yes, complex themes can be addressed in children's books, but it requires skilled writers and illustrators who can process and present the ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging for children.

What are the implications of using public funds for the production of a book that may not have undergone proper development?

Using public funds for a book that has not been properly developed can lead to issues of accountability and value for money, as the quality and educational value of the book may be questionable.

How should the text in children's books be adapted to suit the target age group?

The text should be adjusted to match the reading level and cognitive abilities of the target age group, using clear, simple language, and avoiding complex sentences and excessive adjectives.

What is the concern regarding the book's content and its alignment with the intended educational purpose?

There is a concern that the book's content may not align with educational standards and may be more focused on self-promotion rather than providing educational value, which could be problematic given the use of public funds.

What is the estimated cost for producing 200,000 copies of the book at Php50 per book, and is this a reasonable amount?

The estimated cost would be 10 million PHP. Whether it's reasonable depends on the quality and educational value of the content, which has been questioned in this case.