Potter’s “new” book isn’t the first to gain posthumous popularity; last year, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s annotated autobiography Pioneer Girl sold like hot cakes. Perhaps these classics are so popular because they are full of timeless morals and virtues often lacking in contemporary children’s books. Browsing the titles of some of the most popular recent children’s books, I found works such as: Zombies in Love, Polar Bear’s Underwear, I Don’t Like Koala, Poop Fountain!: The Qwikpick Papers, Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania, and The Wonderful Things You Will Be.
Do children really need books about zombies or a polar bear’s missing underwear? While I’m sure these books are imaginative and fun, children also need books with more substance; they need books that will help them learn how to build character rather than simply tell them how wonderful they are. Classic books with lessons and virtues can strengthen children’s personal ethics and help teach them right from wrong. Potter’s famous The Tale of Peter Rabbit has beautiful illustrations as well as a lesson on what happens when you’re disobedient and mischievous (Hint: you might end up in a pie).Poop Fountain? Good Lord.