It's startling to see what kids are reading and watching these days, but even more startling to look back at what books and movies children of previous generations were exposed to. I think that kids picture books today are a lot more diverse and open-minded, generally speaking. In the past month I have frequented a few yard sales and browsed through children's books from the 60s and 70s and I have been amused and discomforted by what I found. Part of that discomfort is due to the fact that I, as a sort-of adult, see certain symbolism and themes that just go right over the heads of the kids who read them.
I'm thinking specifically about
this book, which I bought at a yard sale today.
Pretzel is a male dog, a dachshund-- the longest one in the world, one who has won a dog show and is lauded for his longness. In the book he courts Greta, who doesn't really care for him or care about his extraordinary physicality. But (spoiler alert!) when she is in peril he saves her and she agrees to marry him-- not for his length but for the fact that he saved her.
While I flipping through this book I thought the drawings were cute; the authors are the same ones who wrote the
Curious George series. But as I sat and read the book cover to cover I couldn't
help but read more deeply into this children's book. I doubt that there was any ulterior intention behind the story of the book yet I can't help connect some dots that may just be freckles/random spots: Pretzel is male, he is proud of how long he is but Greta the girl dog is not interested; because Pretzel plays the prince Greta decides not to be single any more and their story concludes with the birth of their five children/puppies.
But, as indicated in the title, I'm probably reading too deeply into this...
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