Not to want the DDs to read any more dismal, turgid, depressing shit written by Jacqueline Wilson?

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I can't stand it any longer. Death, destruction, broken families, mum's boyfriend beating her up. Happy just doesn't exist. If parents are married, they are disfunctional, or have ishoos.

I wouldn't mind the odd one, interspersed with other stuff, but it's like fucking drugs in this house. Anything else is read perfunctorily before rushing back to worship on the altar of Saint Jacqueline of the Sorrows.

I think someone else put it nicely, it won't necessarily harm a 5-6yo to read most JW books, but they won't get as much out of them if they read them so young. Better to wait until 8-9yo at least (except for the baby books, like Connie and the Water Babies, which are meant for under 7s).

I feel the same about Harry Potter, btw, best saved for older to get the most out of them, lots of other books are the same!

I don't think you need to hide them! They simply won't choose them until they find them a good read. If they do I see no need for the parent to step in and shelter them. It is a very safe way to find out about the way others live. (If they are not interested in how others live they won't read them).
Lots of children's literature is sad-there are times when I read them to a class that I have to stop and say 'I might cry-if so ignore me!'

Thanks seth.

BTW, WHSmiths has it's BOGOF on annuals again which means they work out at £4 each and they have a good range.

that's good to know. Father Christmas used to bring us an annual each when I was a kid - time to institute that tradition for my dcs perhaps....

I buy a few for mine. Love them. And it's free delivery :)