Review Detail

Never talk to Strangers, by Irma Joyce is a cute book, it really is.  Its chocked full of colorful animals and insects, and the children who try to figure out whether they should talk to them or not.  That being said, I have a problem with this book.  The book's message  is timeless, but the method of conveying this message has not been updated since the book was originally written in the 1960s. 

Joyce describes various situations in which a child should never talk to strangers, such as when encountering grumpy bears or pushy rhinos or camels with boney knees (???).  Then she describe those times its okay to talk to strangers, suggesting that if your teacher introduces you to someone, its okay to invite them over because your teacher knows them; and if a pal you already know brings one of his friends to your home, thats okay too, because your pal knows that person.

Im sorry, but I just cant agree with these statements.  They may have been appropriate in the 1960's, but not today.  We live in a dangerous world.  Children go missing everyday.  Even teachers do inappropriate things at times.  Sending the message that its okay to allow strangers into your home because your teacher or your pal knows them is unacceptable.  Children need solid information about when and how to interact with strangers.  They must be taught how to recognize inappropriate or threatening behavior.
 

It is apparent that this was a wonderfully useful book when it was written in the 1960's, and I have no doubt it was beloved by children and parents everywhere.  But times have changed and things are different now.  Using smiling animals and insects to teach lessons about strangers is just not practical, at least not in my opinion.

In the words of our new President during his historic campaign, Its time for a change.  An update of such a beloved book as this one just might save someone's life.