I bought a book, and I want my money back.
To start, here's my synopsis of I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen:
Even though I know, as a consumer, I've lost money buying Jon Klassen's book (and like the bear, I miss it so much), I'm not going to eat, hurt, or berate him for taking it.
So why does he think it's alright to teach our little ones that violence is an acceptable behavior?
And shame on you, publishers, for thinking illustrations are, in this instance, the only component that make a story good.
From one mother to another, don't buy this book.
(Ironic that the protagonist of the story wants something back, too.)
To start, here's my synopsis of I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen:
A bear wanders through the forest in search of his lost, red hat. He encounters, along the way, a variety of critters, accomplishing tasks. He asks each one if they've seen his hat? Across the board, they all respond, "No." (Even a suspicious rabbit wearing a pointy, red hat.) Suddenly, it dawns on the bear. He does know where his hat is, and who has taken it. So, he goes and eats the culprit.
Moral of this wretched story, eat/kill/confront whomever steals/snatches/borrows your belongings.
As a mother, I'd like to have a conversation with the author. It'd go something like this. (Paraphrased from I Want My Hat Back.)
Me: Jon Klassen, have you seen my green money?
JK: No. Why are you asking me? I haven't seen any green money anywhere. I would not steal your green money.
Me: Silly me, you're right! You haven't seen any green money anywhere, because your book is horrid! Thank you anyway.
Even though I know, as a consumer, I've lost money buying Jon Klassen's book (and like the bear, I miss it so much), I'm not going to eat, hurt, or berate him for taking it.
So why does he think it's alright to teach our little ones that violence is an acceptable behavior?
And shame on you, publishers, for thinking illustrations are, in this instance, the only component that make a story good.
From one mother to another, don't buy this book.
Posts
That's crazy!
ReplyDeleteHow did that story get published?
I can't believe this.. totally opposite of what us moms try to teach our little ones! urrgghh.
ReplyDeleteI have a nugget book Snow White. It's a board book and it said from ages 0-3 years old. There is a word KILL in it (kill princess snow white). I am not an English person, so I continued reading it to my daughter, until one day she got mad and told me, "I'll kill you!" How stupid of me. I tossed the cute book away. Publishers may not really care about morality. They care about how much money a book generates. Consumers have to be careful. That's what I learned.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your lovely blog. I am also inviting you to join Autumn Blog Hop 2011 at Momma's Lounge ( http://olahmomma.com/momlounge ) where you meet more mom bloggers; shout away; add your giveaways and/or blog and business links; and get featured by sharing your crafts, recipes and interesting musings. I blog at http://olahmomma.com
Thanks and have a great day!
Oh, WOW! I saw the illustration and thought it looked kind of cute...until I read your little summary. I just don't understand how this would ever get published!
ReplyDelete