Dr. Seuss is safe at the Toronto Public Library — at least for the time being.
But one of his books was targeted for banning. A letter of complaint filed in March with the facility petitioned for the removal of all copies of the 1963 book penned by Dr. Seuss, “Hop on Pop,” United Press International reported. Why?
It promotes violence, the letter of complaint read.
The complainant said all copies of the book should be taken out of the library because its text “encourages children to use violence against their fathers,” UPI reported. The complainant also wanted an apology from the librarians to all fathers in the Toronto area — and for the library to “pay for damages resulting from the book,” the letter stated, UPI reported.
The Materials Review Committee responded just recently: No.
In its decision, members wrote: “The book is a humorous and well-loved children’s book designed to engage children while teaching them reading skills.”
Besides, the members point out, “the children are actually told not to hop on pop,” said a document from the Materials Review Committee, which was linked on the UPI report.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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