Anthropomorphism

Esme watched Wind in the Willows last night, and she was enthralled by the characters - that flamboyent and selfish Toad, wise old Mr. Badger, witty Rat, and homely Mole.

I know from experience shopping around a children's book I wrote a few years back that agents and editors don't like to see anthropomorphism in new stories, but I can't figure out for the life of me why not. Okay, so there is something cheesy about it, but the kids love it. And while it may not be accurate to imply that animals have feelings just like humans, it is important that children understand that animals do have feelings. And the differences between animals's personalities can sometimes help illuminate different human personalities (as in the Wind in the Willows).

So I say bring it on. We'll read Wind in the Willows, and when Esme gets old enough, she'll read Watership Down, which isn't just beautiful for kids but is an amazing book for adults too. Considering all the crap I see in the children's section of bookstores these days (let's just say Disney and other TV brands should stick to video), maybe these editors and agents need to rethink what they're looking for.