I have a new pet peeve. I know, my list is long, but this one is eeking its way up the list. Scholastic Books seems to be the biggest promoter of this that I have seen so far. The books that are such a direct rip off of classic children's stories. Do you remember, "Caps for Sale" from the 40's? Sure you do, minimal color, man has stacks of caps on his head, monkeys in trees take caps from sleeping peddler. Then the monkeys copy the peddler until they throw their hats down to him and he goes back to town. Try this, "Fifty Red Night Caps." Here's the recap: When monkeys steal the nightcaps that he is carrying to market to sell for his nan, a little boy inadvertently finds a way to get the caps back.
Remember, "The Little Engine that Could" - I think I can, I think I can....
How about this new spin, "I knew you could... celebrate all the stops in your life." The same little blue engine "that could" is back, with a new author and
illustrator. "This time it is encouraging readers to choose the track
that best suits their interests and talents and forge ahead on life's
journey. Dorfman suggests that though there will be "deep river
valleys" and "high mountaintops," dark tunnels and uncharted territory,
"I think I can" should be their clarion cry."
OK, they own the book, they can do what they want with it, but at least come up with your own ideas. This new spin with 'all the stops in your life' stinks of Dr. Seuss', "Oh The Places You'll Go" but with way too many train references. Amazon even pairs them together as a suggested set.
As I said, it may just be a new pet peeve on my list, but I just cringe when I'm asked to read these books. They were given to our children as gifts, so we keep them. I realize there are a lot of odd books out there, but if they are well-written, I'll take odd any day over cliche or copy.
It reminds me of two movies that came out at almost the same time, "Words and Music" (gag) and "Once."
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