Author-illustrator Alex Beard might be one of my favorite breakfast cereals.

All of his picture books contain the hidden prize inside. Crocodile’s Tears or Monkey See, Monkey Draw might be sweet animal stories with gorgeous art. Keep digging to find bonus tales about ecology and creativity. His layered creations are tasty treats to be savored repeatedly.

Alex, what’s right right now about children’s literature?

Children still want physical books with real pages. They enjoy being read to, and like reading to themselves. This is unlikely to change, regardless of what new technology comes down the pike. So, children’s literature right now ties us to the past, maintains the continuum of the printed word (and illustration), and suggests that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

What can be done to make the good better?

Don’t compromise quality for cost. If the printed book is to survive, concentration on beautifully produced books is a must.  E-readers have replaced the need for cheap throw-away printing. If you’re going to make something, do it well, because digital formats will win against a badly manufactured product every time.

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Learn more at www.alexbeardstudio.com