Interviews
Q: Why did DK decide it was time to relaunch the popular “My First” series, which originally published over 25 years ago?
A: DK constantly seeks to improve our books, even those that are successful already. Reviewing our backlist is part of a process and we felt it was time to relaunch the “My First” series for a new generation.
Q: What can parents expect from this refresh of the “My First” series?
A: We are updating all the photographsand considering new ideas and ways to approach the subjects we know babies and toddlers love.We've also added a slight sparkly effect on the covers for tactile appeal.
Q: Which attributes did you retain from the original books?
A: We've retained DK's signature clear, bright and bold visual design with images that engage and stimulate young children.
Q: How does the “My First” series prepare toddlers, ages 2 to 4, for reading readiness?
A: A “My First” book creates a vivid association between the word and a realistic picture of the object. Every full-color image has a simple word label to promote early readying. The series serve as excellent early information books and help build vocabulary and language skills.
Q: What qualities about the “My First” series set it apart from other board books on the market?
A: DK's special photography and clear layouts make the “My First” series quite different from the traditional illustrative approach. The images help children to recognize the world around them in the pages of a book. The wide scope of topics means there is something to interest every child and the books have a collectable, charming quality.
Q: What makes the “My First” series an ideal early-learning library for toddlers?
A: Toddlers find the size of the “My First” books easy to handle and use. They want to look at the pictures and hear the names of the objects read out to them. The life-like images are carefully chosen to appeal to toddlers and the subjects reflect their interests.Aspirational and informative, the “My First” series are also perfect for parents and children to share together.
Q: What topics do you have planned for the “My First” series in the future?
A: We are considering the following topics for the next round of publishing: Farm, Tractor, Body, Dinosaur, Pets, and Things that go.
Q: What new features of the “My First” series will appeal most to budding readers?
A: The fresh, new photographs, re-vamped livery, and the use of some scenes, to give the subjects contextand make them come alive will certainly appeal to new readers. We've included pictures of children in action to encourage interest and interaction. Children identify with images of other children.
Q: Can you list some helpful tips for choosing the right books for a young child?
A: Listen and watch out for the child's interests, choose books that they want to pick up and use.
Q: In your opinion, what are the most effective trends you are currently seeing in preschool publishing?
A: An interest in combining learning with play: DK makes learning fun for a child.
