Today Show Snookers Children's Books

In a bizarre decision, the Today show decided to abandon a more than decades-long tradition of interviewing the Caldecott and Newberry Medal winners after the prizes were awarded. Producers decided to go in a slightly more controversial direction and pick someone less representative of their audience and more representative of the Jersey Shore... actually The Jersey Shore -- Snooki. Now, I have nothing against Ms. Polizzi, or her appearing on the show. She needs an audience and they need ratings, but really, NBC -- in place of two talented authors (Clare Vanderpool and Erin Stead) who serve much of what your viewers find worthwhile -- their children and grandchildren?

I'm trying to guess the Today show's logic...

1. Producers figure Snooki's audience is still up from the night before.
2. She reads at a YA level.
3. With a name like Snooki, it has to be good.
4. It's tough to change channels when you're getting the kids on the bus.
5. They thought "Snooki" was an actual children's book character.
6. Ms. Vanderpool and Ms. Stead won't punch you in the face if they get canceled.

I'm sure the producers had their reasons, and I'm sure it comes down to money and "exciting television," because Ms. Polizzi, who is also promoting a book, will be more outrageous (and less educational). I think they call it "interesting,". Still, class, culture, and top-notch writing deserve a place on television, mainstream television, not just in spots reserved for PBS and niche channels on the upper end of the broadband. I hope Today reconsiders its decision and quickly books award-winning authors Clare Vanderpool and Erin Stead rather than lightweight, orange-toned pugilists who step from the pages of overwrought fiction and very bad television.

Hey, that's it! Maybe the producers grabbed Snooki as a cautionary tale... a chance to feel better about yourself before breakfast... or a reminder to have carrot juice in the morning... or...

SCBWI has taken to writing The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times to get these authors rescheduled. Here's hoping the Today show does it. To read more about it (in a serious vein), visit SCBWI's home page.