A Lesson in Culture Through the World of Richard Scarry

My daughter checked out a Richard Scarry book from the library yesterday, which was a welcomed relief after countless (and mindless) Barbie princess books!  As we began to read through the book I simply had to stop and check the copyright date.  Just as I suspected, it was compiled (or should I say systematically dismembered of any soul or virtue) in 1994.  In order to explain what is clearly a visceral response, allow me to step back and give you some background into our relationship with Richard Scarry.

When my son was about 18 months old, his favorite book in the whole wide world was what he called "The Oh Bow Oh Wow Book"...more commonly known as Richard Scarry's Silly Stories (1978).  The stories were so clever and full of interesting phrases.  For what they lacked in educational content (unless you consider instructing hobos not to eat soap educational), they made up for in imaginative and relational stimulation.  Will Brambles the warthog make a good first impression on Hilda the hippo by combing his hair and showing her his favorite ball of string?  How hospitable of Mama Bear to bake a cake for the three hobos that came into her house through the window!  Will Baron Von Crow and Dingo Dog ever learn that their competition is at the expense of those around them as well as their own safety?  When will everyone learn that Mr. Fix-it Fox only makes matters worse?!  There was never an instruction of colors or numbers, nor any direct, academic instruction on anything.  They were silly stories written to stimulate imagination...the primary type of educational content that young children need.

He wrote several other books that are among our favorites of all time.  Cars and Trucks and Things That Go has very little plot other than following the pig family through various (ridiculous) settings and trying to spot Goldbug along with hundreds of other unique cars/driving scenarios.  What Do People Do All Day was a great educational look at different jobs and where things come from.  Much like "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" they take interesting subject matter and fill it with clever vocabulary and silly, imaginary fluff to stimulate childhood thought.

So flash forward 30+ years to our latest library find.  Same topics, same pictures, but page after page of stripped down, soulless content.  I took some pics comparing the differences...take out your magnifying lense and see if you can catch them...

Here is the original story from the late 1960's (notice the story developed through clever imagination...
It was under his hat the whole time! I wonder if my postman sits on a rocking chair on his truck?)

Here's the stripped down, "just the facts" version of today...VERY informational!

"This is an ambulance"...uh, ok. Next page please!

"Abby saw her mommy arriving in the ambulance...she must be in a hurry to see her."...

same information delivered very differently.

These are just 2 examples of the many differences I found.  Now, in the grand scheme of of life, is this a major issue?  Of course not!  But much like an ice berg, this is just the trivial little part that is visible.  Underneath, lies a massive obstruction that seeks to impede imaginative and inter relational thought from the formative years of human development.  In other words, let's focus on colors, numbers and ABC's at the expense of imagination and relational character development so that our youth will grow up allowing others ("the intellectuals") to dictate proper thinking and relating for them.   Remember, this book was compiled in 1994, so we're 20 years down the road already.  Do you see anything in modern, childhood development (books, T.V. shows, schooling) to prove me wrong?

P.S.  We are still HUGE fans of Richard Scarry!!  Just make sure you check the copyright date! :)