In the book market, most genres have remained fairly steady over the past couple of years. The industry has had a fairly flat decade. However, children’s literature is starting to see an increase in overall sales, up to 10%.
Studies have shown that over 50% of households read to their children from ages 0-5. With the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are spending much more time at home with their children, and the amount of book consumption has gone up even more.
What’s Selling?
Experts say that the classics like Dr. Seuss’s books continue to keep the market high, though more contemporary children’s books are almost equally as popular.
According to Scholastic, in 2019, the highest rated children’s literature trends were: books about unicorns, spooky stories, books about video games, dog books (one’s about pugs specifically!), books with strong female characters and books about dragons.
Trends in literature usually mirror trends in culture, so it’s no surprise to see unicorn magic books or video game reads on the bestseller list.
Literature in Higher Education
While sales increase, children’s literature is becoming increasingly popular in general.
Some universities have even begun offering specialized children’s lit majors/minors/certificates. Subsequently, the genre is becoming stronger and more diversified.
If you are interested in finding out more about trending books or would like a reading suggestion, the links below feature the top children’s books of 2019 and 2020.
Further Reading
25 Best Children's Books of 2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/books/review/best-childrens-books.html
Top Children’s Book Trends for This School Year
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/childrens-book-trends.html
Market Research Says Children’s Books Up, Overall Market Flat
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/80503-market-research-says-children-s-books-up-overall-market-flat.html
Any questions? Please email us at Janice@Neighborhoodlit.com. Corinne Migliazza is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, an intern at Neighborhood Lit., and the daughter of Janice Migliazza, a Reading Specialist and owner of Neighborhood Lit, Route 34, Colts Neck.
