The Lorax is a cautionary tale of greed and environmental destruction. That is how it is described in one internet blurb. I feel this is the perfect description of the book! Greed causes the Once-ler to destroy the homes and environments of other living things. The book is didactic because it is teaching the lesson of what greed can do to our world and environment. The book has caused controversy for its anti forestry industry stance. Many libraries, where forestry industry is prominent in their communities, has banned it from their shelves.
Didactic children's books are still being written today. They may not hit industry like The Lorax, but they are still teaching lessons. Many older didactic books are being republished; The Story of Ferdinand which was first published in the 1930 has been republished with the original text and illustrations. Parents remember these stories and want them for their children to read. The books published today are not as moralistic as Dr. Seuss. They are kinder and more subtle in their teachings and they are not usually controversial like Dr. Seuss. Many of today's books muddy right and wrong or water it down.
I believe children's books will always be some what didactic. Books give us the perfect openings for children to question and those questions will lead to life's lessons.
No comments:
Post a Comment