“I’m surprised”
Jamie Oliver withdraws children’s book
“I’m surprised”
November 11, 2024, 5:22 pm
Listen to the article
This audio version has been artificially generated. More information | Send feedback
Jamie Oliver has published many cookbooks – and with great success. However, the publication of his first children’s book was a disaster. After Australians criticized the work, the Brit took it off the market.
As the saying goes, cobbler, stick to your survival. And maybe celebrity chef Jamie Oliver should try to put recipes on paper. After all, he has come a long way – becoming the second most successful author in Great Britain behind the creator of “Harry Potter” Joanne K. Rowling.
But Oliver wanted more – which is why he recently published his first children’s book called “Billy and the Epic Escape”. It doesn’t seem like a good idea, as we now see. The 45-year-old now felt compelled to pull the work off the shelves and apologize repeatedly.
The reason for it is the criticism of the book from the natives of Australia, whose main character is a girl from the native population of Australia. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (Natsiec) even described the work as “harmful” and “disrespectful” towards the culture and the indigenous population. Native words are not just used and misattributed. The book also contributes to the “dispersion, trivialization and stereotyping of First Nations people and experiences.”
Published without consultation
Publisher Penguin Random House UK admitted to The Australian Guardian that there was no consultation with any indigenous organisation, community or person before publication. Billy and the Epic Escape will now be withdrawn from sale in all countries, including the UK and Australia.
Oliver, in turn, said according to the Guardian: “I am surprised that I have offended and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.” And in addition: “It was never my intention to misunderstand this extremely painful subject. Together with my publishers, we decided to remove the book from sale.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Culinary Expert
Editor: Good evening, and welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re discussing a rather surprising turn of events in the world of children’s literature and culinary arts. Our guest is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned food educator and commentator on children’s nutrition. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Jamie Oliver, the beloved British chef, recently withdrew his first children’s book from publication after facing significant backlash in Australia. What were your initial thoughts when you heard about this?
Dr. Carter: Honestly, I was quite surprised. Jamie Oliver has made such a name for himself as a champion of healthy eating and accessible cooking. To see him come under fire for a children’s book is unexpected, especially given his extensive experience in the culinary field.
Editor: Yes, it’s puzzling. The article mentions that Australians criticized the book, leading to its removal from shelves. What do you think might have led to such a strong reaction from parents and educators?
Dr. Carter: A few factors could be at play here. First, if the book didn’t align with the dietary preferences or nutritional guidelines that many parents prioritize for their children, it could have sparked disappointment. Children’s literature often has to balance entertainment with educational value, especially when it comes to food. If the content didn’t resonate or encourage positive eating habits, that could have been a major red flag for parents.
Editor: That makes sense. Jamie has had a successful career releasing cookbooks aimed at adults. Do you think there’s a stark difference between what an adult audience expects versus what a children’s audience might be looking for in a book about food?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Adults may appreciate creativity and complexity in recipes, while children need the opposite—simplicity, fun, and an element of engagement. Children’s books, particularly on food, should be relatable and interactive. Parents often seek books that not only entertain but also encourage kids to explore healthy eating habits. If Oliver’s book missed the mark on those fronts, it could explain the backlash.
Editor: Do you think celebrities like Oliver carry a unique responsibility when engaging with younger audiences through projects like these?
Dr. Carter: For sure. When well-known figures step into the realm of children’s education—especially regarding nutrition—they inherently take on a larger responsibility. They set expectations and send messages about food and health. It’s crucial that the content not only reflects their culinary philosophy but also resonates with the values of children’s health and wellbeing.
Editor: It sounds like he might need to recalibrate his approach. Considering his expertise, do you think there’s a way for Jamie to redeem this situation and make a comeback in children’s literature?
Dr. Carter: Definitely! I think he should closely engage with parents and educators to understand their needs and concerns. Collaborating with child psychologists could also provide insights into how children relate to food and literature. A revised approach—focusing on playful, engaging recipes that encourage kids to participate in cooking while maintaining a nutritional emphasis—could turn this setback into a real learning moment for both him and his young audience.
Editor: Great insights, Emily. It will be interesting to see how Jamie Oliver evolves after this experience. Thank you for shedding light on this topic!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss the intersection of food, education, and health.
Editor: And thank you to our listeners for joining us today. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions on Time.news!