First, consumers want to get the most for their money. Junk books are a safe bet. Last year I heard an impressive speech about the enchantment of children's books by Stephen Roxburgh, the editor of Front Street Books. Once a golden-haired boy of NY publishing, Roxburgh fled the ranks and started his own publishing company because he believed in art more than sales. Sadly, this sales-driven market place is rapidly pushing out the more artful books.
Editors consult chains about salability before they accept a manuscript.
Writers and illustrators dedicated to the art and craft of creating children's books find their books remaindered so quickly it's making their heads spin. Marketing finds it easier to push junk books because the public understands them. Like toothpaste, they vary only slightly in flavor, packaging, and additives. With the glut of junk books, children's book awards becomes all the more important. They are artistic anchors.