My son has to read a book aloud tomorrow in his 1st grade class. He's picked "If I Had a Gorilla" by Mercer Mayer.
In the book, there is a drawing of children swimming - and one of the boys is sitting onshore and is not wearing a swim suit... you can see a drawing of his bottom. Honestly - I've read this book many times and only just noticed it today.
Do you think it would be a problem for him to read it in class? He's been practicing, but is a good reader and think we could switch without too much fuss. He is excited to read this one though, and he's never thought twice about the bare bottom either, otherwise I would have heard about it! :)
What do you all think?
J.
Thanks for your speedy and helpful responses! My initial thought was no biggie, but then I started to second guess myself. I appreciate your thoughts - and I sent it in with him this morning as planned and left the little buns uncovered :)
Thanks again
I would let him read it. You say it is barely noticeable... I doubt the kids would be able to even tell if he is standing at the front of the class while they are seated and listening to him.
Or, you can do what I do, and lightly color in a little pair of swim trunks :)
Let him read it.
If you are worried about the illustration, you can put a sticky tab over it.
You won't damage the book and nudity sensitivities will have been addressed.
Personally, I don't think kids will be able to see it since he will be looking at the book to read it. If he feels confident reading it then don't switch. If it is your book...and you are worried...use a marker to make a swimsuit on the boy in the picture.....haha
I would let him read it.
Mickey Mouse & Winnie the Pooh don't have pants, either.
I'm sure it will be fine.
Will it upset HIM if the kids all start giggling and laughing ?
Sure, let him read it :)
I would let him read it.
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It's a children's book - it should be fine.
I would let him read it! The other students probably won't even notice unless the pages are being projected larger or something of that nature. Incidentally,I was a children's librarian for 11 years and I know a few older librarians who made subtle "cover ups" in several books like that. Have you seen the picture book 'In The Night Kitchen' by Maurice Sendak?
I am going to bet a lot of the kids have already seen and read it. I do not think it is a problem.
I would let him read it.
I've taught elementary, but don't know this book exactly. If it's just a little butt crack, I don't think it's a big deal AT ALL. I think the kids won't notice and if they do, they will giggle. So what.
They show bare bottoms all the time on tv. I don't think it's a biggie.
My vote is to let him read it. :)
I honestly don't think kids are going to notice. I say let him read it.
I would also let him read it.
Are the other kids going to be able to see the pictures? Before or after the class?
If so, I would just ask him what he would so if other kids would giggle for the boy without pants, just so he knows that it could happen, but is not bad at all, if anything funny.
Butts and farts are funny for little (and no so little) kids =*)
It depends on the kids in the class and how they will respond to it and you don't know that so if it was me picking or helping him pick I would say get a new book.
Of course he should read what he has been practicing. :) None of the other kids have probably noticed it either, and they won't while he reads it to them. Heck, they may not even be able to see the page all that clearly...
And it is just a drawing, and a bare bottom. Nothing to see there folks.... They won't even notice. And if they do, who cares? It's a children's book. Totally innocent. If they DO notice, they will LOVE the book he chose---they're 6 years olds!
You're worrying yourself needlessly.
Relax. He'll do great!
Don't see a problem.
Did the teacher ban books illustrated by xyz? Otherwise, let him read it.
