Who doesn’t like the Muppets? Apparently, a Wisconsin school board member who is afraid a Muppets children’s book is too graphic, according to USA Today. Mary Carney, the Marshfield mom, is even trying to get the book, “For Every Child a Better World” by Jim Henson, removed from the kindergarten curriculum.
She claims the book contains images of children living in poverty and violence, which is evidenced by one illustration that shows a child living in a box in the rain. Because of this, she said it’s traumatizing, stating:
“I just have concerns that it’s too graphic, even though these are Muppets characters. Unfortunately in this world there is a lot of war and strife and poverty; I understand that. I just don’t know how appropriate that is to be teaching that to 5-year-olds.”
Teachers at the school were scheduled to use the book in their curriculum in early 2016, and planned to read the book aloud in class as part of a unit aimed at helping students learn to be good citizens. According to Amazon, the story “teaches young readers about the plight of young children who lack the basic human necessities and the efforts of the United Nations to provide such essentials as housing, water, food, and medical aid.”
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Carney also wants “administrators keep a closer watch on what books are being used in schools.” But not everyone agrees. Amber Leifheit, school board Vice President, said she read the book and finds nothing wrong with it, stating:
“Looking at it, I do not have concerns. I believe it shows compassion for people other than yourself. I think that’s a good thing.”
The matter will be resolved at a meeting with the school and community members today.
