Sir, - Mary Leland's review of Mother Goose (December 15th) contains an extraordinary assertion which is amplified in the headline: "Rule that subtlety is wasted on the young applies". The following day you printed Gerry Colgan's review of The Gingerbread Mix-Up, in which the prejudice of his perspective was reflected accurately in the headline: "Nearly too good for the kids".
In 20 years working professionally in the arts for children and young people, I have never observed any evidence that subtlety or excellence was "surplus to requirements" when making work in any of the arts for children.
Contemplate headlines such as "Rule that subtlety is wasted on women applies", or "Nearly too good for black people" and it will become clear that you would not have allowed such prejudice be expressed if the audience was defined by gender or race. Why do you consider it acceptable when referring to children? - Yours, etc., Martin Drury,
Director, The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, Eustace Street, Dublin 2.