You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
What's next for kids' books
My predictions for the trends that will dominate children’s publishing in 2025.
As we look ahead into 2025, the ongoing realities of global instability and economic uncertainty are not going away any time soon. Adaptation will be essential as we navigate these persistent issues, demanding resilience and innovative solutions from individuals and communities alike.
In the creative realm, we are witnessing a significant shift toward authenticity. There is an increasing desire among audiences to trust the true identities of those who created the work – writers, artists, illustrators and actors.
In a time where digital imagery and AI often raise questions such as: is that real, did it actually happen or is it fake? The importance of knowing the voices behind the work becomes paramount. As a result, we can anticipate a celebration of transparency and trust in creative expression. What that means is a striving towards building an artist’s name, audience and credibility to own the copyright so they can be recognised as the original creator of their work across all platforms.
In today’s screen-filled world, we are not just selling books, we are promoting the act of reading itself. We advocate for its transformative power in shaping young minds, fostering empathy and enhancing mental health. This is a responsibility we cannot take lightly. It is one that requires all the creativity and collaboration between agents and publishers to create new formats with retailers who are confident in how to sell these non-traditional formats.
We need to get bold. We need to push the boundaries of what a book can be. Here is how I think this might look in the year to come.
As agents, authors, illustrators and publishers we have the power to inspire a new generation of readers, demonstrating that books are experiences, not just objects
New reading formats
With children reading less, creative new formats are gaining traction:
- Graphic novels: we are seeing an increase in popularity of titles like Dog Man that combine illustrations and storytelling. Why does it work? It is funny, written in a language children relate to, and collectable. A simple formula that really works.
- Piction: this hybrid format merges traditional fiction with picture-book elements, appealing to visual learners. I believe it will continue to rise.
- Longer picture books: We’ll see the continued growth of wordier picture books that tell more complex stories while maintaining engaging illustrations.
A focus on mental health
We need to respect our brains and nervous systems, ensuring better rest from overstimulation. Engaging with books helps us reset, think and dream, creating balance with our digital lives. As book creators we have a responsibility to make them engaging enough to withstand digital enticement. As agents, authors, illustrators and publishers we have the power to inspire a new generation of readers, demonstrating that books are experiences, not just objects. Growing concerns about mental health in children are leading to increased discussions on:
- Legislation: the potential for new laws aimed at protecting children’s mental health, particularly concerning social media and phone usage. Publishers have the opportunity to be the counter-balance to this. For example, go to bed with a book, not a phone, and lock up phones after 7pm.
- Rebranding reading: advocating for reading to be recognised as a crucial part of children’s mental wellness, promoting a balance between digital and non-digital engagement.
A balance of digital and analogue
The pendulum has swung high into digital entertainment, and the mental-health crisis highlights the need for a balance. The world is waking up and recognising the impact of heavy digital entertainment usage in children. We now know that this is bad, and both the media and parents are growing to be onside, but they need a push. We need to be a loud, leading voice in this. We should get involved with conversations around:
- Screen-time awareness: recognition of the excessive screen time children are experiencing and the need to prioritise offline activities.
- Non-digital engagement: the wider media encouraging activities such as reading, drawing and writing, which support natural cognitive and emotional development will be more loudly advocated by publishers.
Themes in kids’ books
- Humour: there’s a huge demand for chapter books and young graphic novels that are funny, in formats that appeal to reluctant readers, written in language that children find entertaining. This means supporting authors and illustrators who truly understand children.
- Representation: there will be a continued emphasis on diverse characters and stories that reflect a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and experiences, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Progress must not stagnate.
- STEM: books that explore science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) concepts will continue to gain popularity, encouraging children to develop an interest in these critical areas at an early age.
- Emotional intelligence: stories focusing on emotional understanding and mental health will continue to be important, helping children navigate their feelings and build resilience.
- Environmental issues: books that educate children about sustainability and nature will continue to be at the forefront, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
As we prepare for this new chapter, understanding these trends will be crucial for book businesses navigating the complexities of 2025 and beyond.
