So much to tell

    One more brief word about So much to tell, Valerie Grove's biography of Puffin Books editor Kaye Webb, which I very warmly recommend. It's an intimate portrait of a woman who was hugely influential in the world of children's literature and childhood reading in the 1960s and '70s, and an affectionate, admiring look at that golden age and the person who did more than anyone to shape it, someone who, as Kaye's friend and former employer John Grigg* said, "brought pleasure and inspiration to generations of young people lucky enough to be born in a book-friendly era, and opened worlds of adventure and creativity for them." I am one of those young people, as I'm sure are many of you.

    So much to tell, so much to enjoy.

    

*If you've seen the second series of The Crown you'll have come across John Grigg, a.k.a. Lord Altrincham.

The picture is of some of my Postcards from Puffin.

To hear from Kaye Webb herself, listen to her Desert Island Discs.

Comments

[Ruth Waterton]

As a proud Founder Member of the Puffin Club, I owe a great deal to KW!

[Cornflower]

As the book makes clear, you must, Ruth!

[Dark Puss]

I was/am very fond of Puffins, but was it really any more of a "golden age" than the last 20 years for Children's literature? Looking at what excellent writing came to be published when my son was growing up I am not convinced it was.

[Cornflower]

Undoubtedly there have been great books at all periods, not least in recent years, but Kaye Webb's contribution to the world of children's publishing was probably unique. What she did at Puffin amounted to a 'concentration' of good books, and because she had the brilliant idea of the club, the exhibitions, the trips and holidays, the author visits/appearances, etc., not only did she command a great readership for her authors, she somehow galvanised them into producing more and better - "she roused the hidden gift in anyone around her," said the anthologist and poet Naomi Lewis, "sometimes to the point of genius."
Kaye Webb herself acknowledged that she was fortunate as to timing: "the climate was right", she said, "and everyone was suddenly interested in children's books". Allen Lane had made a lot of money from Penguin and could afford to take a risk. But her gifts with people as well as her eye for a good book meant she was inspirational in many ways, and her imprimatur alone was a guarantee of quality. Further, she was less susceptible to commercial pressures than editors are now, though as time moved on, Allen Lane died, Penguin was sold, and the nature of children's publishing changed, she too became vulnerable, had to adapt and then retire. But for all the above reasons (and taking into account what was being published at the time in other houses) I think it's fair to describe it as a 'golden age'.

[Helen]

I was a part of that golden age too, and in fact when I found my copy of the lark and the Laurel last week I said to myself "I bet Kaye Webb was the editor of this" and I looked and saw she was.
My mother, who bought us lots of books (relatively, it was the 1970s and we didn't have as much 'stuff' but books were her thing) commented when Kaye Webb was the editor, so we were familiar with her name.
I don't think they write the editor's name now, so you'd never know if there was a great one who kept finding gems (or not from looking at the books anyway).

Helen

Helen

[Constance]

I sometimes got Puffins in the US (late 60s or early 70s) and was always bitter when I saw there was a club only for UK readers!

I am a big fan of The Lark and the Laurel (in fact, of all Barbara Willard books) so it is nice to see someone else who appreciates that series.

Re Editor's Name - I used to feel that way about Margaret McElderry's books. Sometimes the librarians at my branch would point out a new one to me (often Ruth Arthur).

I hadn't known about this bio of Webb but have added it to my list! Thank you.

[Fran]

Looking at those postcards is like looking at a snapshot of books I read and many of them, owned as a child. Something to Do ( top left hand corner) still with me, falling apart from use. Recipe for a lemon and orange cake in it still used 50years later!

[Cornflower]

Apparently Kaye Webb discovered Barbara Willard by asking librarians which books were most borrowed.
You're right, Helen, editors are much less visible nowadays, and with publishers' sales teams having such a great say in what is taken on, even an editor with a very good eye may not be able to build the list they want.

[Cornflower]

You're welcome, Constance. The book is a very interesting and enjoyable read about both the woman and her work, though it is sad that Kaye Webb's personal life was not as happy and successful as her professional one.

[Cornflower]

Excellent, Fran!

[Joan Kyler]

I love your Puffin postcards. They entice one into those wonderful childhood worlds, worlds that are so often denied to us as adults. I thank my lucky stars that I read so much as a child (and still do, but it's different now).

[Cornflower]

I know exactly what you mean, Joan.

[LizF]

I read the Kaye Webb biography a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it because she was such an influence on my reading as I grew up as a bookworm in the 60's and 70's.
I also have that box of Puffin cover postcards - I meant to use them to send out to friends and family but find it really hard to part with some of them!

[Cornflower]

I've sent a few of the cards, but like you I find it difficult to part with them. I think that says a lot about the significance of those books!