Comments on: Why not to read David Shannon to your child

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:11:49 +0000

Seriously? I am baffled and saddened by all of your comments.
If I were to omit every book with a view or belief different than my own, I would be left with nothing. As an educator, I strongly believe that children need to recognize and respect others’ points of view. If you feel so strongly about the broccoli and bath pages, why not enter into a discussion with your daughter regarding the differences in opinion between hers and Alice’s, rather than completely discarding the book? It’s neither wrong nor right to dislike baths and broccoli, and children need to know that their choice isn’t always the only correct one.
And you find Too Many Toys to be subversive to parenting? I am searching my mind trying to imagine what might be offensive to you. The book reminds us of the constant need for more, more, mine, mine and rebukes over-consumerism. In the end, as with Alice the Fairy, Too Many Toys promotes imagination and creativity.
Furthermore, I doubt David Shannon is trying to sabotage your parenting. If you were to read more about him, you would know that many of his other books (i.e., No, David) deal with the troubles that he, as a child, presented his parents and teachers. I have taught second grade for many years and children LOVE Shannon’s books because they can easily relate to the characters; they may not always agree exactly with the character, but they do understand the feeling.
Unfortunately, I think the message you are teaching your child is much stronger and more close-minded than “never eat broccoli” and “hate baths.” Please rethink your position.

By: Gia

Gia — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:59:03 +0000

little kids brains are so ready for anything so a book that teaches what the parent doesn’t want is not the right book for that family. your daughter is lucky to have you. some families aren’t as clued in to these little things that add up.

By: Emily Cotler

Emily Cotler — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:46:46 +0000

Indeed and true true, but the point I argue, “Why would a children’s author do this?” stands. Why? How does it help the author to make a parent’s job harder? Can’t he see the hypocrisy?

Sigh. Give me Karma Wilson or Laurie Keller any day.

By: Keira Soleore

Keira Soleore — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:31:41 +0000

R’s a smart cookie. I have a feeling she can deal with the ambiguity that her likes/dislikes are not (or don’t have to be) mirrored by others, even in stories. Ours loves broccoli, too, and we have a book “Hattie’s Hair Cut” that talks about hating broccoli; hasn’t stopped her from still loving it.

By: Emily Cotler

Emily Cotler — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:43:34 +0000

Lanny, Kira, I agree with you two! But for a three-year-old, is that concept too abstract?

By: Keira Soleore

Keira Soleore — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:06:02 +0000

Lanny, you’re absolutely correct. That’s how we deal with the everyday stuff that contradicts what Disney is preaching or one of her book characters is saying.

By: Lanny

Lanny — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:17:48 +0000

Why not read the offending passage with a preamble to your child that indicates that the story takes a position that is clearly silly?
“We love broccoli!”
This gives the child the power to disagree with the book…any book…and still enjoy reading. You empower your child to find both sides: rights and wrongs. To gain through discernment.

By: lailani

lailani — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:20:07 +0000

One of my favorite books to read as a wee gal was about Cookie Monster. Full of overeating sweets and such. Mmmmm cookies.
But I totally won’t promote that book for my neices/nephews/friend’s babies or my own if I ever have one.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:52:14 +0000

Why? Why? Why do authors do stuff like that?

My kids LOVE broccoli (to the point my parents thought I was raising aliens because they ASK for broccoli and peas and cauliflower) and I have the water bill to PROVE how much they love baths.

Why would a “children’s author” make parenting more difficult?

Grrr.