To refuse to read this book to DD aged 4?

[Happyland8]

I know the Jill Murphy, The Large Family books are much loved and much though I like the others, I just can't bring myself to read "A Piece Of Cake" to my DD. We started reading it last night and I stopped on page 1 and said we'd do a different book.

DD is quite naive (as are most kids of that age). She understands about the importance of having a balanced diet in the sense that some foods are healthy and others are unhealthy. She knows we should eat lots of the healthy and a little bit of the unhealthy.

I'm very careful about what I say in front of DD, for example, if I wasn't feeling great about my size, I wouldn't say "I look/feel fat".

I've read this whole book and really dislike the message it sends. The Mum decides she's fat, the family go on a diet and then in the end they eat the cake and decide that elephants are meant to be fat. AIBU? Or is this not a great message to be sending to children? I've attached the first 2 pages and the last page.

Yes someone bought me this as a present with a few other ones. I threw it out. I don't want her to even think about that sort of thing until she realises it herself.

Whoa, what’s the one with the word “slut” that’s too far. What age is year three again? Six?

Littlemisscooper you're right! Well he's not exactly in a hurry to find out who's baby it is

Although, Tiger who came to Tea. HUGE red flags for an eating disorder there.

The tiger has an eating disorder? Isn't the mothers serious valium addiction more of a worry?

Happyland8 You have a good point! I think if you do not like it and feel the message is wrong, do not read it.
Maybe an older child might think it only applies to elephants, but the concept of worrying about being fat still remains.
Best not to read it to the children in case it gives a bad idea to them. Well spotted.

..... Or you could taker it that it is saying - you are what you are and cake or no cake isnt going to change that. That everyone is the right shape for them and not to worry....

I read this to ds tonight and I have to admit I do have a bit of a 'hmmmm' about it but he loves it. When he was born we got 'this rabbit, that rabbit' at his one year check from hv and that has 'fat rabbit' in it alongside a picture of a rabbit with a big stomach which I always thought was odd in that context!

They are elephants! They are large animals! Maybe the message is that we are all different and should do what’s good for us and not want to be something that isn’t possible..

The Daily Fail are at it again #lazyjournalism
dailym.ai/2GFoCJf

wow just wow, I wouldn't let your DD read Hungry Caterpillar in that case - or the Boy in the Dress !!! God only knows what naive unhealthy habits she will pick up.

Also stay away from Harry Potter, wouldn't want her upset waiting for her Hogwarts letter that will never arrive!!!