* He saw a gap in the market. Before Newbery, children's books were largely religious tracts or dull, moralistic tales. Newbery recognized that children deserved more engaging, entertaining, and even educational materials.
* He published books specifically for children. He wasn't just trying to repurpose adult content; he commissioned writers to create new, exciting stories specifically for children's imaginations. This is a key reason why he's considered the "father of children's literature."
* He made his books accessible. Newbery understood that not all families could afford expensive, bound books. He introduced the concept of "chapbooks," affordable, small-format books that were sold widely. This brought children's literature to a much larger audience.
* He emphasized entertainment. Newbery's books were not just about moral instruction. They featured adventure, humor, and engaging characters that children could relate to. This focus on enjoyment paved the way for the development of the modern children's book.
Beyond these practical reasons, Newbery also believed in the importance of children's literature for personal development:
* He understood that children learn through stories. He believed that stories could teach children about the world, inspire their imaginations, and help them develop their moral compass.
* He saw the power of literature to shape young minds. Newbery recognized that children's literature could instill positive values, promote critical thinking, and even spark a love of reading that would last a lifetime.
So, while Newbery didn't need to convince anyone that children's books were *important*, he did have to demonstrate that they could be engaging, accessible, and valuable. He accomplished this through his innovative publishing practices and his belief in the power of stories to educate and entertain children.