With all the talk surrounding the protection of children from television and its ills, Canadian author Shelagh Wallace has written a book for kids about TV, aptly titled The TV Book: The Kids’ Guide to Talking Back (Annick Press). Wallace’s intention is not to shield kids from television, but to educate them and thereby encourage more critical viewing.

‘While it seems that everyone has an opinion as to how much the government should protect viewers, especially young viewers, I believe that more information, not censorship, is the best way to protect kids. Instilling active viewing skills is their best defense,’ says Wallace.

The 96-page book, which retails for Cdn$12.95, takes kids behind the scenes, talks with insiders and investigates such issues as viewing patterns, advertising and violence on TV. It also follows the life of a fictional television show from its inception through to air time.