Friday, February 8, 2008

"War on Terror" Coloring Book

Crabmommy has found the new perfect preschooler birthday present: a new coloring book called "I Don't Want to Blow You Up." Check it out:


" ...A book for kids and adults to counter the terrifying messages transmitted in the name of the “War on Terror.” In an age of yellow, orange, and red terror alerts, let's draw attention to the myriad people of different colors and cultures who are living peaceful and meaningful lives. 32 pages, softcover, illustrated. $9"

As NYMag expains it, this is "a didactic coloring book that presents thirteen people with names like Sarah Takesh and Omar Ahmad and explains that, despite their names, they have no intention of detonating an explosive near the reader." The book is by Ricardo Cortes and MY FRIEND, the venerable F. Bowman Hastie III,also knows as the assistant to famous dog artist Tillamook Cheddar, who has appeared on many national TV programs and whose artwork fetches many greenbacks.

For more on the coloring book or if you want your child to help create a rainbow of tolerance, go here and place your order.

17 comments:

Matter Of Fact Mommy said...

umm, okay... i am mortified...

Anonymous said...

Please do not picture your boss in pink underwear. Stop that! I told you NOT to picture your boss in pink underwear! What's the matter with you? Are you some kind of pervert?

crabmommy said...

Mommyrella, since I am my own boss I can certainly picture myself in pink undies. But what is that TYRE AROUD MY WAIST? Lawd!

Mofm, it's wacky that book, eh. I think to be taken with a tablespoon of salt -- as in, ironic funny present for grownups more than kids. My sense -- is that, I hope? --the middle pages don't show terrorists but rather, as the text suggests, nice normal people with Muslim names. I like the concept a lot. Breaking down stereotypes -- a good theme for anyone's coloring book, grown-up or tadpole, IMO!

Leann I Am said...

Ummm....errrr....uh, yeah...WOW!

tonypark said...

Priceless. As are the links.

info@thebabymarketplace.com said...

Do you have any of Tillie's work?

MK?

crabmommy said...

Crabtot has a Tillie t-shirt. She has long outgrown it but she still loves wearing it. Bowman, maybe we should do a Tillie tee giveaway here?

Matter Of Fact Mommy said...

okay, wasn't sure if you were seriously condoning this. now i get it. my daughter's sitter is muslim from Africa (Tunisia) and i couldn't help but think that she may be offended by seeing such a thing, esp. titled "i don't want to blow you up." believe it or not, i was at a loss for words. ;)

Crabmommy said...

mofm,
Here's a piece on it today in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/nyregion/thecity/10book.html?ref=thecity

It seems to have a strong message about racial stereotyping. Which, I think, your sitter might well approve of (the message against stereotyping, that is).

cmg said...

hi - just wanted to say that i just discovered your blog and have spent several happy hours this weekend reading the archives. you've really made my day. thanks.

Amanda said...

g,
thrilled to have you. Come back!

Matter Of Fact Mommy said...

i read the article - good stuff. i guess my problem is - having a 4yo and an 18mo - that i don't realize that kids need to be exposed to this stuff. i mean, my son is already calling people out for being FAT in public, for example (because he's a brutally honest 4yo)... let's hope that his being exposed to his baby sister's sitter will be a good thing. ;)

Anonymous said...

I totally agree that it's more for adults. Egad, how is a 3 year old supposed stay in those lines?? But, in ref to my other line of reasoning, I think that by assuring my 6 year old that Muslims don't want to blow him up, I might inspire the questions, "What are Muslims? And why would they want to blow me up?" To which I would lamely reply, "A Muslim is a person of a different religious background than most people you meet in an American suburb, and don't worry honey, they don't want to blow you up. Just color the nice book and try to stay within the lines." "But why would they want to blow me up?" "No, babe, they don't want to blow you up. Stop thinking that. But Mommy wants to blow this &@!$$! coloring book up. You know what? Don't stay in the lines, sweetie. You just do whatever makes you feel good, okay?!" As my voice raises to an exasperated squeal as I pour myself a glass of wine with a shaking hand.

Amanda said...

totally, Mommyrella. Agree wholeheartedly. But I'm thinking maybe an 8-yr-old living in NYC might be ripe for the discourse. Mostly I think it's for grown-ups, tho'. Tongue-in-cheek stuff. Which as you all know too painfully well, Crabmommy digs.

Crabmommy said...

Sorry, mommyrella. That was me -- don't know who this "amanda" person is but sometimes she hijacks my account!

info@thebabymarketplace.com said...

I bought one CM!

Please ask Tillie to make sure his assistant Bowman gets that in the mail ASAP.

Growing up in the middle east, I am well aware that not all Arabs want to blow us up (just a few), but I certainly want to pass the message on to the kids. Colouring will fit in just dandy with our new love of arts and crafts (see: http://mommyknows.com/watercolors/)

MK

Crabmommy said...

mk, love it! and adore YOU. as ever!

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