As a mother of two and a childcare worker at Willows Preschool and Early Learning Centre, Denise Stephens said she finds Ms Fox’s comments “offensive” and “soul destroying”.

“As a working mum I know how hard it is every day to make the decision to go to work.

“It’s not unusual to see mothers sitting in the car park and crying because they have had to leave their children in day care.”

According to Ms Stephens, parents are tough enough on themselves without being criticised by others.

“(However) I think Mem Fox’s stories are wonderful and I won’t feel differently towards her or her stories as a result of this,” said Ms Stephens.

One of the directors of Waratah Early Learning Centre, Kellie Doulin, said childcare was always a sensitive subject.

“I feel that Mem Fox was inappropriate to make such broad comments on something that affects so many families these days; it was a generalisation that could upset a large number of the population,” said Mrs Doulin.

“Mem Fox is a highly respected and talented author. However I think she needs to further explain the reasoning behind her comments.

“With the increasing price of everyday living, it is almost essential that both parents are working for a part of the week. Surely Mem is not suggesting that putting your baby in care for one day a week to help pay the groceries is child abuse?”

According to the Orange City Library’s librarian Elizabeth Barry, despite the fact Ms Fox is a “wonderful writer” whose books have proved extremely popular over the years, her childcare comments were inappropriate.

“I know that she is very outspoken and personally I don’t agree with her comments.

“I don’t think that it’s right to make those kinds of sweeping statements.”

According to Ms Barry she is unsure if there will be a decline in the number of people who will chose to borrow Ms Fox’s titles.

Orange City Library stocks all of Ms Fox’s children’s books including the ever-popular Possum Magic and Time for Bed.