For a while I've been using a fairly reliable test to vet books I've not got time to read - in charity shops, for example. It's hardly ever failed me.
Look at the illustrations. If they are classic, attractive and, above all, DETAILED, chances are that the content will be pretty good. If they are scribbly, cartoon-style, generally the content will be as vacant as the illustrations. I'd be interested to hear of some exceptions (perhaps Charlie and Lola - but even those pictures are quite detailed...) The cover test is also reliable. Sparkly - and especially holographic - is BAD!
Oh, yes, and look at the final page. If the author has a strong moral/amoral message, it will usually come out there.
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