A former West Salem School District board member who is protesting the contents of an elementary school library book said he took the matter directly to the board because the district's complaint policy process takes too long. Maynard Carlson read a copy of the book Walter the Farting Dog to the board on Jan. 13. Carlson said he found out about the book after his elementary school grandson brought it home from school. He said he objected to the flatulence topic and said the words "fart" and "farting" are used 24 times in the book.
It is nice when a story for children keeps them quiet and listening for a bit. If it helps make them interested in learning to read, that's a bonus. It sounds as though this book does both. If you have children, or have spent any time around them, you know they will always prefer an "improper" story.
I had never heard of this book before I read this article, now I think I may have to buy it. (Not for my kids, for me!)
Posted by marybeth at January 28, 2004 11:26 PM Box of Rocks