As I've mentioned before, Darrell and I have started putting together a pretty extensive library for baby William (let's be honest--Mom is probably more excited by the books than William ever will be). Most of the books we've picked up second-hand, because books don't exactly go bad (and a few crayon markings here and there just add character). However, it is apparently possible for a book to become just a little outdated. Here's a line (and corresponding illustration) from the version of "The Little Engine That Could" that we picked up:
"And there were cars full of toy engines, airplanes, tops, JACK-KNIVES, picture puzzles, books, and every kind of thing boys or girls could want."
Now, I'd consider that more of a pocket knife than a jack knife, but that's not the real issue here. I'm pretty sure that any children's book written these days that tried to pass off any type of knife (or gun or other weapon) as a desirable children's toy would be met with unending criticism--if it were even published at all. Clearly this was not the case in 1930, which is the original copyright date of this book (although our copy of the book isn't that old; the most recent copyright date is 1976). I imagine we'll have to explain that one to William a few years down the road when he wonders what a jack knife is and why, even if he did have one, it wouldn't exactly be viewed as a "toy".
No comments:
Post a Comment