What do you guys think about putting a weapon in a picture book? I'm working on a book about how to become a police officer and at first I thought I wouldn't include the gun part at all but then I thought... well... all kids know that police officers carry guns. It's the elephant in the room. I may as well deal with it. My plan is to simply list it as a thing the police officer carries on his belt.
What do you think?
7 comments:
I say why not? No one goes crazy when the knight slays the dragon with his sword
Interesting question, especially right now when I'm trying to discourage my kindergarten students from making guns at the Lego centre. I think I'd include it, because it as part of their job (and kids do know that and that it helps them do their job of keeping us safe).
Is the gun being used/held in a responsible manner? Is the safety on? Are you making it into something wicked awesome in your book? Is the cop using it to blow someone's head off?
If you say yes to the first two and no to the last two, I think you're fine.
Since my kid's favorite page in all of your books is the space toilet, I think dealing with it directly is best.
I think the way you're planning on dealing with it sounds fine.
I think you have to put it in because it's too obvious of an omission. We need to make sure children know the difference between appropriate reasons to have a gun and inappropriate reasons. This sounds like a good way to begin teaching them and to open those discussions.
Thanks guys. This is good to know. I'm kind of relieved because I think you're right -- too obvious an omission. As the police officer tells his young son -- It's not a toy. It's one of daddy's tools.
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