The renowned author of 36 Children turns his attention to children's literature and the power of stories in education, from Robin Hood to the prole...
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Jun 14, 2011
Chris
rated it: 
The first three essays are interesting, even if the second and third essays are somewhat scattered. Also be warned, I discuss Kohl's points which some people will consider spoilers.
I got this book because of the title essay, "Should We Burn Babar?", an essay that tackles the question of suitability of certain classic children books.
I'm torn about the subject and about this book in general, and I think this review is going to be somewhat scattered in thought as More...
I got this book because of the title essay, "Should We Burn Babar?", an essay that tackles the question of suitability of certain classic children books.
I'm torn about the subject and about this book in general, and I think this review is going to be somewhat scattered in thought as More...
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Sep 01, 2010
Terry
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Yeah...I have to reluctantly say this book will probably only appeal to Kohl fans, really. I do have to say I think his essay on the way Rosa Parks is "taught" in schools should be required reading for all textbook developers, children's book writers, teachers, and anyone at all interested in children's books and education as a whole. His essay on Babar is a good introduction to a way of thinking about children's literature and literature's effect as a whole--it would be a good essay f
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Dec 01, 2007
Mia
rated it: 
I initially got this book for the final chapter, which is a fictional narrative dealing with the history of public education in this country (I am arguing in this quarter's final paper that public education was created as a type of enslavement, ironic when juxtaposed with the abolitionists' fight to abolish slavery and the suffragists' fight to rid the institution of marriage of its slavery-like aspects). Then I began to read Kohl's analyses of children's stories like Babar and Pinnochio, and t
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Apr 16, 2010
Sandy
rated it:
These are sometimes really fascinating and on-target, but sometimes overly pedantic and dated looks at racism,sexism,and class in traditional kid lit (especially Babar, as you might expect). I liked the title essay, and the one on Rosa Parks and why her story is so often mistold, but the essays on what a radical (in the revolutionary sense) kid's lit should look like, Pinocchio and multiculturalism in the early 1900's, and why progressive education is not a new idea dragged more than a bit. I le
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Feb 06, 2011
How our schools, our children's books, our histories have taken the powerful, incredible wonderful story of Rosa Parks and watered it down.... Also, I am realizing it is no coincidence that two of the radical Chicana women writers I have studied chose to write children's books too.... What stories do I want to tell A and her amigxs, and how will I tell them?
May 14, 2011
Karolinde (Kari)
rated it: 
While there may be some good points about racial stereotypes in children's lit in this book, I found most of the points far removed from reality.
Feb 09, 2009
I'm thinking I may disagree with a lot of this, but I want to read it anyway.
Oct 03, 2007
Devon
rated it:
I actually didn't read all of this book - just the first two essays. I really enjoyed the essay on the Rosa Parks story. I'd consider assigning it to a class as a way to demonstrate the problems with historical memory, etc.
As for Babar, well - I don't think we should burn any book, much less his.
As for Babar, well - I don't think we should burn any book, much less his.
Aug 01, 2008
Alfajirikali
rated it:
Not being fond of Babar to begin with, naturally I was intrigued by the title. The author presents many interesting topics about literature intended for children, it questions many "classics" and their underlying themes. I enjoyed the analysis process, and the writing style of the author.
Aug 14, 2008
Pauline
rated it: 
Quirky and entertaining...I love the way this book made me think about traditional stories to which we've exposed children/students. This will be a great resource for students doing a 'banned-book' paper!
Dec 17, 2009
Elvis
rated it:
What I learned...there are ideas from this book that still float around in my head - how to write a pro-community, pro-people book (the lessons expand beyond kids' books)...etc.
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