Children's books to AVOID

[mz_libbie22]

What children's books rub you the wrong way? Do you try to restrict your kids access to them?

It seems like some of the worst offenders when it comes to children's lit are the "classics". Here's one I came across:

http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poet...of_verses.html

find the verse called "Foreign Children" and read it. :

So what's the most offensive/innapropriate children's book that you've come across?

[sparklefairy]

I used to love RL Stevenson. I don't know how I missed this one, but I wish I hadn't seen it at all. We just return a cd of some of his poetry set to music that was lovely (Child's Garden of Songs).

Yes, I do censor things. We still haven't read any Laura Ingalls Wilder because I just don't feel up to it yet. I've not read them books my grandmother has given us which present one particular religious perspective as fact. I will never read Love You Forever to them because it creeps me out!

[LeftField]

I don't like books with commercial characters. The exception is, "The Magic School Bus" books, which we love. I also dislike any kind of book that hypes school. At the library today, my little guy picked out a bus book that goes on about school. He really wanted it so we got it, but I would normally avoid books that focus on school (we're homeschoolers). We really love Henry Huggins these days, but it seems like many of Cleary's books have a heavy emphasis on school, so I'm not sure of what to do there.

[LeftField]

Originally Posted by mz_libbie22

What children's books rub you the wrong way? Do you try to restrict your kids access to them?

It seems like some of the worst offenders when it comes to children's lit are the "classics". Here's one I came across:

http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poet...of_verses.html

find the verse called "Foreign Children" and read it. :

So what's the most offensive/innapropriate children's book that you've come across?

Yeah, I see what you're saying, but, of course that book is a product of its time. I think it would be cool to read to an older child and talk about cultural stereotypes, ethnocentrism and imperialism.

[sparklefairy]

Leftfield, I've noticed that too about Cleary. My kids go to school but I don't like how so many books and tv shows present school as a child's whole life.

I like the "product of its time" thing and I do point out stereotypes that we run across as we read (there are so many gender stereotypes that I'd forgotten about!) My kids are definitely old enough to do more of this.

[KirstenMary]

"Walter the Farting Dog." I detest that book.

[HollyBearsMom]

Originally Posted by KirstenMary

"Walter the Farting Dog." I detest that book.

These are my son favorites!

[NoHiddenFees]

* Honey Bunny Funnybunny about a little bunny's journey to accepting her brother's physical and mental torturing her as his way of expressing love.

* Anything cross-licensed.

* Rainbow Fish (fish physically mutilates himself and sacrifices individuality so he and his friends can be all alike)

* Berenstain Bears

[Mrs.CEH3]

(deleted for copyright violation)

What in this is offensive? Do you not get that this is written a) from the POV of a child commenting in wonder at lives unlike his own and b) in a gently ironic tone?

(deleted for copyright violation)

[AutumnMama]

Originally Posted by NoHiddenFees

* Rainbow Fish (fish physically mutilates himself and sacrifices individuality so he and his friends can be all alike)

Yeah? What is up with that??
I'd heard so much about what a wonderful book it is etc. etc, and the illustrations seemed beautiful, but when I actually read it I was left quite unsettled.

[teachma]

Originally Posted by LeftField

Yeah, I see what you're saying, but, of course that book is a product of its time. I think it would be cool to read to an older child and talk about cultural stereotypes, ethnocentrism and imperialism.

Yes, absolutely. And a much more concrete way to illuminate your young child than with an abstract, related-to-nothing lecture!

[Threefold]

We read whatever our kids are interested and use it as a chance to talk about our values anywhere there is a conflict.
My dd loves the rainbow fish and it also bothers me in some ways, so we talk about why sharing can feel nice (which I think is the intended message of the book) but why it is okay to say no too.
Overall I dislike dogmatic books, but my ds is in love with the Berestain Bears, so we read them alot.
We have an immense collection of books at home (two readers and an elementary school teacher ) and visit the library often, so our kids are exposed to a wide range of books with lots of opportunities to talk.

[Finch]

Holy crap, that poem is so offensive it's just...beyond pale.

[TwinMomWendy]

Click, Clack, Moo This book is total propaganda for unionism. Why do toddlers and preschoolers need this type of persuasion?

[talk de jour]

I'm just curious... what's wrong with the Berenstain Bears? I haven't read them in decades, so I don't really know...

[NoHiddenFees]

Originally Posted by talk de jour

I'm just curious... what's wrong with the Berenstain Bears? I haven't read them in decades, so I don't really know...

Some are better than others (I still love when Papa goes "Ptooey" when he tries his camping soup), but there's lots of rude and mis-behavior in them. This may be OK for older kids, but why introduce bad behavior before a child is indulging in those behaviours? IMHO, the worst are the "message" BB books. Oh, and forget the one they go to the mall!

[maxmama]

Originally Posted by TwinMomWendy

Click, Clack, Moo This book is total propaganda for unionism. Why do toddlers and preschoolers need this type of persuasion?

Because unions are power! I like to start indoctrinating my kid at birth; of course, given Murphy's Law, they'll end up voting Republican.

[elsasmommy]

Junie B. Jones. Am I the only mom who can't stand them? She drives me nuts!

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by TwinMomWendy

Click, Clack, Moo This book is total propaganda for unionism. Why do toddlers and preschoolers need this type of persuasion?

Those books are hilarious. If you don't like it you'll probably want to avoid Giggle Giggle Quack as well.

[sparklefairy]

Originally Posted by talk de jour

I'm just curious... what's wrong with the Berenstain Bears? I haven't read them in decades, so I don't really know...

I don't like how Papa Bear gets to act like a grouchpott and tiptoed around until Mama Bear smooths things over.