Hello All ,
on a related matter , see Bob Dixon's website (
http://www.peace-workshop.freeuk.com/Bob_Dixon.htm ).
He wrote two seminal books, "Catching Them Young - Vol 1 - Sex, Race and Class in Children's Fiction , Vol 2 - Political Ideas in Children's Fiction" ( Pluto Press, UK, 1977 ).
As the books are long out of print ( I bought these two paperbacks when published ) you can read them on the above website.
These books came to my attention due to a newspaper article that pilloried the banning of Enid Blyton books by the ILEA / Inner London Education Authority .
After reading these books , and then reading some of the books quoted , I came to the view that the ILEA was correct in banning these books.
Before you criticise , I suggest you read first, and then make up your mind. Bear in mind that children have no way of evaluating the worth of a book, and all too often parents, like chiidren, are attracted to the pretty pictures, but parents should read and think about the text before purchase.
Another example (
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-22/bear-finds-a-voice-kids-book-analysis/10002538 ) is worthy of a read.
I think that both of the above articles raises serious issues about children's books that parents need to seriously consider.
Do not misunderstand me, I think children should be encouraged to read, it is a crucial skill, and the earlier children are exposed to books the better. It is also crucial for both parents to read to their children , as it enhances the children's language skills, comprehension and understanding.
My viewpoint is that children are entitled to read, or be read to, books that are of literary and social merit , they should not unwittingly ( or wittingly for that matter ) be exposed to racist , sexist or unduly violent literature.
And if you think this is over the top , some years ago Germany banned "children's books" that praised the activities of the "SS Man" , those paramilitary Nazi murderers , whom , amongst many others, murdered children.
Regards, Radioman.
