Good books vs just books

I believe there are books that are not bad nor good but certainly not worth ones time. In that category fall two very popular book series for young children (my opinion only). Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog. I am sorry. I don't like these books. If you do, that is fine. Go ahead and keep liking them.

This is what I don't like: Curious George is a prime example of what not to do instead of what to do. We do not take monkeys out of the jungle. That is wrong. We do not keep wild animals in our home. That is a no brainer. Ok, curious George is more like a child than a wild animal in these stories. We do not leave our children unattended, but they used to, that is just asking for it. When they get in trouble there are real life consequences, you do not get off the hook just because you did something nice too or are cute or your naughtiness ended up making someone laugh. No way, it does not work like that. Things do not always turn out so well. It is ok to be curious but it is not ok to be careless or naughty. There is a big difference.  It would be bad parenting to be like the man with the yellow hat. I don't like Curious George books. I hate to admit it, I have one. The kids all like it and they know I don't and exactly why. You certainly don't have to agree. :)

Clifford the Big Red Dog. Ok, he is not sooooo bad. I just don't like the art or the story. No good reason. Just not a classic for me.

So, the Kindergarteners were allowed to bring home a book to sponsor at the school library. They could choose a book and bring it home and we can send in money and have a name plate put in with our child's name. What book did K bring home? Clifford the Big Red Dog. I said no. What book did he bring home as the next option? Curious George. Oh groan, no, no, no. So, we went to the school library together to preview GOOD literature. Ok, they are picture books, but it all starts there. You read trash when you are 5 and .............. no just kidding. :)

So, I showed him books that have a good story line which teaches a lesson and empathy for others, AND has fabulous art. Those are good books. We will be sponsoring Beatrice's Goat (Heifer Project book) and a book on adoption called Through Moon and Stars and a Night Skies (a Reading Rainbow Book), AND they will allow me to send a list of good adoption books to them and I will sponsor any they choose into the library and there is a teacher section which will soonly be enhanced with books on adopted kids in your classroom and Aspergers. How nice.