Bestselling Children’s books for 2009

Pop over to the Publisher’s Weekly site and peruse the 3/23/09 article by Diana Roback titled the “Bestselling Children’s Books 2009: Meyer’s Deep Run.” Truly, this is a look back on 2008. Anyway, following the article is a list of the top children’s books of the year broken down by front list, back list, hardcover, and paperback. Naturally, most authors of these titles are household names to avid readers and writers of children’s literature. So, be the kid in the candy store and take a look. www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6645692.html?industryid=47139

Additionally, it’s worth checking out the “Latest Best Sellers of Children’s Fiction Books” at www.publishersweekly.com/bestsellerslist/11.html?channel=bestsellers

I am thrilled with the quality of fiction available for children. Like the rest of you, I’ll make it a point to read many of these titles. Not only to study the works of the masters, but because I really love children’s literature. I might even check out a celebrity book from the library out of curiosity.

I really hate to whine, but this is my party and I’ll cry if I want to. I have one rant and it is a loud one so cover your ears. Where the heck is the list of best selling children’s nonfiction titles? Really. We expect our kids to be motivated to learn yet we do not celebrate the phenomenal literature of fact? A true story well told is as riveting as fiction with the added climax of reality. I realize sales numbers won’t compare to fiction, but simple validation through the same professional publishing communities would be a boon to nonfiction authors who spend years researching and writing a well received book. Instead, we lovers of nonfiction might as well wear a tattoo across our foreheads that says “runt of the litter.”

Publisher’s Weekly breaks down children’s fiction and children’s picture books. How hard would it be to add a category for nonfiction?

If you would like to join my pity party, I would love to hear from you.

Quote for the Day: “If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” — Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

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