Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am so sorry because I hate to be the rain on the parade and I know these are beloved classics, but I don't like these stories. The price is right, but I am disappointed that they are the staple of HOD's kindergarten program. I tried to be a good sport about the joking, teasing, tricks, and boasting, but I just couldn't. Very ungodly examples and worldly justice system (payback, revenge, alliances, pride). They are exactly the models of behavior that I am trying to discourage in my littlest children--which is of course the point of the stories--but the morals are somewhat snidely done. I wish they were more gently done, ala "Frog and Toad" or "Winnie the Pooh" style. I started with The Adventures of Reddy Fox, and I had to do so much explaining to my 4 and 5 year olds-- not just about the tricks, but also the plot and vocabulary. It was too difficult for them to understand what was happening from chapter to chapter without quite a bit of explaining. The Southern accent and regionalisms of several of the characters were also confusing for them to hear and follow along with in the text, which they wanted to do as I read, but it was really the sarcasm that was wearying me and making me hope they didn't pick up. I don't see any reason for sarcasm to be part of a very young child's universe at all. That said, I have very sensitive children and I am aware that most kids stomach stories of payback very well. For those who love Brer Rabbit, Disney movies and the like, you'll love this series too. We aren't sheltered--we can laugh at a good prank--but we all saw a big difference between these stories and the sort of gentler learning by example--EB White, William Steig. We're probably the exception in this way, rather than the rule, but I think it's important to add this perspective. We read aloud all the time and have enjoyed many other classics, fairy tales, etc, more than these.