Results: Muppets Too Edgy?

Have you ever seen or heard of the Jim Henson book, "For Every Child a Better World"?

As per the Amazon description, 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." This book is intended to be used as part of social studies curriculum in elementary schools in Marshfield, WI next year. The objective is to teach the kids about being better citizens. But one school board member objects to the use of this book. Mary Carney feels the book is too graphic for young children. One picture depicts a child sleeping in a box in the rain. She feels such a frank look at the lives of less advantaged children might be too traumatizing for their students, despite the fact that the book is narrated by Kermit the Frog. Do you agree?

Amber Leifheit, the vice president of the school board and head of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, says that no other members have complained. She says she has reviewed the book and thinks it is perfectly appropriate and teaches youngsters to have compassion for others besides themselves. Overall, do you think it's better to shield children from the harsh realities of the world, or expose them to these things?

Would you object to your child reading a book like this as part of their school curriculum?