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's the stripped down, "just the facts" version of today...VERY informational! |
"This is an ambulance"...uh, ok. Next page please! |
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