The Good and the Bad of Children’s Books
It wasn’t that long ago that various media (frommagazines toblogs)spoke up in disbelief over My Beautiful Mommy, a children’s book by Michael Salzhauer. Anything I have to say about the book won’t be anything new, but needless to say, it’s problematic given its glamourisation of plastic surgery.
Some good news, though? Well, it seems it’s been available for some time now, but I got an email from Susan Johnston this week about her book,Princess Bubble. From the website:
The star of the book, Princess Bubble, is confused by traditional social messages that tell her that she has to find a prince to be happy. Princess Bubble enjoys traveling and helping others, recently graduated from college and is happy, so she seeks understanding as to why she needs to find a prince. After a fun little adventure, she discovers what the really meaning of true happiness is.
Although my sister is slightly too old for illustrated books, I just may pick this up for her, and that way I can check it out for myself. If not, I’m sure the Women’s Centre could use a copy!
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I am excited to read that there is a book being published regarding girls finding happiness from within, not necessarily from the popular disney-themed "must find me a prince!"
The movie Shrek sounds similar to this, although it did end with the stereotypical "fairy-tale ending" of the two "ugly" ogres finding love and getting married (I think they even have a child!). Pixar, and other companies, seem to also be developing more movies with soul-searching themes for our little ones, not the current mate-searching themes. I think we are moving in the right direction with movies, and it won't be long until more books follow suit.
I grew up with my parents playing the empowering "Free To Be You and Me" record for my sister and I. Not all of Disney or Barbie is evil, though; I think it depends on the context that parents put it in for their kids... my sister loved playing with Barbie and I loved all the prince-princess movies (still do!). However, as adults, my sister and I both decided to each earn (multiple) higher-ed degrees, become successful professionals...and the boyfriends/husbands and children were on the list, but after we made career choices, money and a life for ourselves. (I agree with Susan, though...this is not for everyone, and I say this as a VERY proud, and new, part-time professional and full-time stay-at-home mom!)
I think the tide is turning in empowering our young girls and women through children's books and movies, as discussed above, but as a mom with a son, I think this is good for the boys/men in our society, too! I do not want my son growing up thinking that women are waiting for him to "rescue them". I want him to realize that women are equally strong, intelligent and ambitious. There are so many different personalities of women out there, that I want to encourage him to get to know lots of people, including girls (gasp!), and not assume or believe in the Disney-stereotypes, which could create frustration, boredom and a narrow-world for him to live in.
June 29, 2008 - 5:49amThis Comment