Books for the kids
Supermarket
Baugh
1965/1970
Submitter: While I give this cute book props for having a diverse cast of kids, the book is rather old, and the spine is gone. Time to find something new.
Holly: It’s definitely old! 19 cents a pound for whatever it is those kids are looking at (3rd picture below)? Are those coconuts??
Come to See the Clowns
Tensen
1963
Submitter: I am submitting this sad clown book – more for its condition than anything else. – Come To See The Clowns – Leave with nightmares….
Holly: Kinda cute, actually, as clown books go, but yeah – it’s seen better days!
Mary: I need to reiterate that clowns are evil. That said, this might be the least obnoxious of our clown book inventory.
Where is Daddy?
The Story of a Divorce
Goff
1969
I will be honest in saying that these types of books (I will call them “fix your problems with a story”) are a bit problematic for me. Yes, I understand that many of these books have therapeutic value. However, they need to be updated and revised to reflect the changes in society. I also want these books to stand on their own as good stories, not just a vehicle to send a message.
Danger!
A Child’s book about handling fear, dangerous things, places, and situations
Wilt
1979
We have featured this author in the past, and I had not run across one of these in ages. She is nowhere near the weirdness of Doris, but all of hers could be weeded because they are just dated. Like Doris, these books are supposed to address children’s problems and fears. This time it is danger. (Too bad this book didn’t cover global pandemics.) She has also written on gender, money management, and health. (Be sure to see the page on Dad throwing up!) I know there are a lot of these books floating around.
Bunnies
Peter Rabbit
Peek Through Board Books
1995
The bunnies are having a pretty good time in this little board book. Note the wine making and the smoking of “rabbit tobacco”. Perhaps this is Peter Rabbit’s marijuana dispensary and wine bar.
Sketchy bunny activities not withstanding, I think it worth making a comment about a board book being this old and still hanging around. Board books are tiny germ factories and really shouldn’t be hanging around for over a year or so. I am going to guess that board books are chewed upon regularly by tiny patrons. Recycling these books often is a good strategy for keeping the germs under reasonable control.
How To Make A Mystery Smell Balloon
Shores
2011
I came across this title while I was browsing the catalog. Since the title was weird, I had to see what this was all about. Smelly balloons, really? This is actually a science book and is quite fun. I can see why kids would really find this fun. (As a parent, maybe not so much.) When my kids were young, they would have been all over this book. Maybe it wouldn’t be on their radar unless maybe they filed it under jokes/pranks.
As a youth librarian, I could even see this as a program. What could possibly go wrong?
Mary
Why Can’t You Stay Home With Me?
A Book About Working Mothers
Hazen
1986
I know what the authors and publishers were trying to accomplish with books about working moms. Reading it now, it just comes off as tone deaf. Mr and Mrs Privileged have a nice house and both parents have jobs. Throughout the book it is implied that Mrs Privileged works to give the family nice things. It is never about Mrs Privileged providing for her family. Dad’s family obligations aren’t even discussed. But look, he is helping out at breakfast time, so he must be a good guy. Unfortunately, the result of this book is that Dad is still the provider and doesn’t have to do too many childcare or household chores. Mom is still in charge of the household and this job is really just a side hustle for her “real” work. But its okay, kid. You get to eat out more and go on vacation. Weed it and don’t look back.
A Painful History of Crime: Punishment and Pain Townsend 2006 How about a little light reading for family story night? A little punishment and pain for storytime? The content of this children’s book is actually fascinating. It’s just so
