“Children’s literature helps children to be in the world today”

The Cross: The Salon de Montreuil celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since its creation, how has the youth literature and press sector evolved?

S. V. : There was a real upheaval in terms of production and the number of publishing houses. In the 1980s and 1990s, 5,000 children’s books were published per year. Then all the publishing houses started writing children’s literature, and small houses were created. Today, we publish between 16,000 and 18,000 books. Children’s literature has left its mark on our publishing landscape, becoming the third publishing sector, after comics. The show accompanied this movement and made its audience visible.

What is behind this blossoming?

S. V. : There has been an awareness in society of the importance of reading for children. Children’s literature in France is also very qualitative and recognized internationally. It’s a demanding sector in terms of the stories told and the way they are told, and the writing and images are of a high standard. There are also many illustration schools in France.

How is the sector doing today?

S. V. : Even if the sector is doing well, it has weaknesses, particularly linked to the economic health of publishing houses. For some independent structures, it is more difficult. Authors and illustrators often repeat that it is not easy to make a living from this profession. The cost of paper was also a real difficulty, especially since illustrated books are particularly expensive to produce.

What are the major trends in children’s literature and press this year?

S. V. : We see a lot of romances flourishing in teen literature. Comics and manga remain very important phenomena. Very interesting and also quite massive, there is the return of poetry and oral literature which is published. Finally, publishers are concerned with publishing books for children with disabilities. These are books adapted in form: in large print, tactile, in sign language… This is developing but does not always find visibility.

What are the challenges for the future?

S. V. : Above all, the large number of books that are published is too great in relation to the number of readers. There are also, of course, the challenges linked to digital technology. Children spend a lot of time on screens, which should be a cause for concern, even though 85% of young people say they read and like to read. The question of screens above all raises that of the time that parents spend reading with their children, precious time for building their emotional and social balance.

What will be the highlights of the show?

S. V. : Several events guide us. Outside the show, in forty towns in Seine-Saint-Denis, the “40 × 40” exhibition will be held, around forty illustrators. Susie Morgenstern will be our “Big Dipper”, we can find her throughout the show. We will also celebrate Lithuanian illustrators as part of the Lithuanian Season. A new space, the kiosk, will be dedicated to media education, which is important for understanding how information works and allowing children to position themselves actively.

Why did you choose the theme of dreams?

S. V. : We realize how difficult it is for children to be in the world today and to think about tomorrow. Wars and the climate situation cause a lot of anxiety. It was important to bring light, play, imagination. Literature is full of questions and sensitivities, and offers spaces that allow us to work on the world in another way.