A NEW STORY BOOK FOR CHILDREN ?
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,--I see in the Competition for Children's Tales a unique opportunity foi the publication of a valuable story book— or books--for children, for which so many of us are still searching in Spite of the numerous productions of the present day. Yonviill be receiving the work of amateurs, many of whom are no doubt in sympathy with children and childish things. So many of the story books handed to the children of to-day are written by well-known authors who are in the habit of writing for adults. Children are invited by them to consider their own thought processes, which no normal child wishes to do, or should be encouraged to do ; or they are presented with a tragedy which they are supposed to appreciate because of its finished style. Or again—we have the welter of sensational stories and the amazing adventures of guides and scouts so improbable 'in real life. You will have an enormous selection from which you can choose good matter and good writing, and I have no doubt you would find some understanding illustrator who would not present confused wood-cuts and puzzle-line pictures in which the child has to search before it can find its friends of the story. I believe I am making a suggestion which will be echoed by many of the friends of the children of to-day, and feel sure that the Spectator, with its wide interests in the literary world, would welcome an opportunity of encouraging a better type of children's story book.--I am, Sir, &e., [We thank Miss Ironside for her suggestion, and shall certainly bear it in mind. We can make no promises, of course, until we see the results of the competition.—En. Spectator.]
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