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| Stuart J. Murphy's Percy |
I recently got a request from our principal asking if I had any books about potty talk, to try to counter the numerous incidents and use of foul language in and out of the bathrooms at school. Periodically I get requests from guidance counselors or teachers for books on other topics being accountable for your own actions, or, more commonly, preparing for a new sibling. The idea of using books to address social or psychological issues has been referred to as "bibliotherapy." I have always been suspect of acquiring materials solely for therapy or character education. , because they tend to be preachy, emphasizing a didactic message over literary merit. Today, I attended a panel discussion at the New York Public Library, as part of its Children's Literary Salon, called "From Readers to Leaders: Encouraging Ethical Behavior Through Children's Books," which addressed the question of to what extent can a children's book effect the development of ethics and behavior. Authors Janet Wong and Stuart J. Murphy, moderated by librarian Betsy Bird, suggested that the term "bibliotherapy" implies that something is wrong and needs intervention. Instead, said Murphy, a book can be character building. They agreed that reading a book alone cannot heal, but can be a powerful tool for talking things through. All agreed that foremost, a story has to be engaging and stand up on its own. Wong has written many poetry and chapter books, including Me and Rolly Maloo, an early chapter book that expores issues of cheating, popularity, and integrity. Stuart Murphy is known for his story books that teach mathematical concepts, and has also written the "I See I Learn" series of "Percy" stories that focus on social and emotional skills.
