Are You Sure These Are Children's Books?
There are good children’s books that tell a good tale and a moral message while being pleasant about it. And then there are children’s books that tell a bad tale and a dubious moral message while being badass about it. And I don’t mean badass in a cool way either.
The difference: Well, one I will happily place in my son’s decorative bookends, the other I will definitely ship to the remotest place I can find on my globe bookends. These books belong to the latter classification albeit I must say that I mean no insult for the writing abilities of the authors only the messages they send to the pliable minds of young children, mine included.
Hiroshima No Pika
Of course, we must teach our children about the horrors of war in general and of atomic bombs in particular. But must we do so in a manner that can permanently damage the fragile psyche of our children? Even the cover of this book – that of a topless woman running through the streets filled with blood – is adequate material for nightmares! And take note that this is meant for pre-schoolers.
There is a time for our children to know about war and pre-school is not it. Maybe when they are a little older and can appreciate the difference between life and death, right and wrong, cost and benefit in a deeper way, then we can think of educating them about Hiroshima in an objective manner.
Who Cares About Disabled People?
If I were to place this book in a prominent place in my father’s brass bookends, I am sure to get a dressing-down like I have never experienced since I was a child. You see, my Dad is a disabled man and for him to see his grandkids reading a book with such an insane title is an invitation to a battle of words. And I have never been inclined to battle with my Dad, disabled or not.
But that’s not the main crime of this book. According to it, disabled people include children who like to eat (read: fat) and who like to huff paint, child prodigies and teen athletes as well as alcoholics! The message is clear: When you don’t fit in with the norm, you are a disabled individual. In other words, you are now officially a freak.
Maybe the authors had noble intentions but noble intentions have a way of getting lost. These books just got lost in the Sinai Desert!
With that said, I would rather stick to Dr. Seuss’ books! At least, the only frightening thing my child encounters is the Cat in the Hat and he is not even that frightening!
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