Little Women
Hughes (adaptation)
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
1994
This version of Little Women was weeded recently from the picture book collection. Spoiler alert! Beth doesn’t die. Evidently, Beth’s illness is too much for the average 2-6 year old.
This movie tie-in adaptation is terrible. Little Women is not something that can be condensed into a few pages and be appropriate for preschoolers.
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.
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.
I Am Joseph Cohen 1980 Submitter: I am a fan of Barbara Cohen, author of such classics as The Carp in the Bathtub and Molly’s Pilgrim, but this is not an appropriate picture book for children! The complex sentence structure!
The Boy Who Turned Into A TV Set Manes 1979 Thanks to a tip, I found this lovely book. It’s obvious this book is outdated. You youngsters might not know about “rabbit ears” (antenna) but if you are over 40,
Rolling Harvey Down the Hill Prelutsky 1980 Submitter: This is another children’s book that was initially pulled because of its condition. It has had a lot of circulation since it was acquired in 1989 but only 2 circulations in 20
Don’t Call Me Fatso Philips 1993 Submitter: This is a “sensitive” story about Rita who is overweight. Rita has to face being weighed in front of her entire class and being told she needs to go on a diet. She
