Comments on: The worst kids book ever, and not because it’s about the Maple Leafs

By: Rene

Rene — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:19:04 +0000

That is hilarious – I have brought home books in the past without even flipping through them (if they are 10 cents at a sale, who really cares?) but I should definitely read them on my own before sharing them with my daughter. I have some ‘vintage’ golden books that are very set in their gender roles etc. from the 60s or so. At least at this age (2), if I am quick-witted enough, I can make up a more acceptable (to me) storyline or verbiage!

By: Maya Fitz

Maya Fitz — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:18:19 +0000

In reply to Ruth2Day. that's the thing. even though it stinks, I can't bring myself to throwing it out. I just feel so guilty. might be time to make a trip to goodwill though. perhaps someone else might enjoy it ;)

By: Ruth2Day

Ruth2Day — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:38:56 +0000

I’m with you on that book, sounds as if it should be top of the bonfire soon! I can’t think of a really bad childrens book…that’s good I think 🙂

By: icescreammama

icescreammama — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:54:08 +0000

In reply to Maya Fitz. how bout we just call you giving.. i'm more jaded. ;)

By: Maya Fitz

Maya Fitz — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:35:55 +0000

In reply to icescreammama. call me jaded but I love that book. prob b/c as a kid I saw it as a true testament of friendship. yes, i WAS a pushover but as a mom, it does seem like the boy is very greedy. I'll have to revisit rhis one. great. tnx guys! !!!

By: hess2479

hess2479 — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:04:47 +0000

In reply to Maya Fitz.

Not sure where it comes from. Saw it in Israel but it was translated to Hebrew. I’m 99% sure it was originally written in English. And quite sure that it wasn’t a German book (prime suspects with that kind of ending, I know. but I remember being surprised that it wasn’t)

Another type is the over-preachy/missionary type… We got one as a present after Yohai was born. It’s called “Tfilaila” (Night Prayer) and it’s sort of a New Age Night Prayer for kids. Mind you, the drawings are beautiful (I’d like to think that whoever got it for us was so bedazzled by the graphics that they neglected to read the text), but the (not-So) hidden message… In order to avoid using foul language, I’ll just say that was the 1st book in my short life that I threw in the trash (Recycle, of course). I never do that; even with bad books, as I feel bad for the person who worked so hard to write the book. But this piece of watchamacallit? Perfect arc and SWOOSH!

By: icescreammama

icescreammama — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:01:09 +0000

In reply to hess2479. right?!! why is it a classic. unless we're talking about a model for terrible selfishness. ugh!!

By: hess2479

hess2479 — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:53:34 +0000

In reply to icescreammama. Sign me up for the Anti-Boy-In-Giving-Tree movement. His parents should probably be locked up...

By: Maya Fitz

Maya Fitz — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:29:22 +0000

In reply to hess2479. it's a children's book? haha. that's too funny. good lessons for parents who don't pay attention to their kids I guess. where did the book originate from? that's pretty hilarious.

By: hess2479

hess2479 — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:21:35 +0000

I’ve seen a few. Never bought one, though…
The most horrific was one that goes like that:
A boy goes to his Father
Boy: “Daddy! I have a monster in my room!”
Father: “Leave me alone. I’m busy.”
Boy goes to his mother.
Boy: “Mummy! I have a monster in my room!”
Mother: “Leave me alone. I’m busy.”
Boy goes to his room.
Monster eats the boy.
The end.

Honest to God! That’s exactly how the book goes! And would you believe that someone actually put enough effort to translate that piece of literary horror?

So my lessons learned from that book:
1) Same as yours – Read before you buy. Even if only to yourself
2) Monsters are carnivores..