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Children's Books in Translation: So what's the problem?

 

Outside In World Seminar in the Literary Translation Centre, London Book Fair, 13 April 2011

 

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Left to right: Julia Marshall, David Bennett, Emma Langley, Axel Scheffler, and Janetta Otter-Barry: © photo Alexandra Strick

 

Seminar Theme

There is an argument that books from other countries are perhaps particularly effectively in introducing UK audiences to unusual or challenging subjects. Are UK publishers more cautious about publishing themes that might be considered "risky" such as death, bereavement, bodily functions and same-sex relationships or is it the wider UK audience that is uncomfortable with such themes?

This Outside In event will explore the unusual and controversial themes in translated children's books as well as the wider challenges of publishing translated books in the UK.

Participants:

Alexandra Strick - Co-founder of Outside In and Booktrust Consultant
Janetta Otter-Barry (Facilitator) - Frances Lincoln
David Bennett - Boxer Books
Julia Marshall - Publisher and Translator, Geck Press Axel Scheffler -Illustrator
Emma Langley, Phoenix Yard Books.

Overview

This panel discussion looked particularly at unusual themes and approaches in children's books from around the world as well as discussing the wider subject of the challenges – and benefits - of publishing translated books in the UK.

For example: Are books from other countries are perhaps particularly effective in introducing UK audiences to unusual or challenging subjects? Are UK publishers more cautious about publishing themes that might be considered "risky" or controversial - such as death, bodily functions, same-sex relationships, etc.? Or is it the wider UK audience that is uncomfortable with certain approaches or themes? Do some contexts/approaches 'translate' better than others? And – the eternal question - just why are we publishing so few books from other countries….what IS the problem?

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Photo Panel: ©photos Alexandra Buchler

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David Bennett ©photo Alexandra Strick
     

 PhotoJulia Marshall © photo Alexandra Strick

      Photo  Julia Donaldson © photo Alexandra Strick

 

 
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