To send back that Jubilee book?

[YahBooFucks]

My DS came back with the Jubilee book this week. I didn't know anything about it (the Jubilee wasn't something that I was remotely bothered by) but apparently every family with a primary aged child is getting one. I'm massively annoyed by this book... It strikes me as an enormous waste of money, especially at a time when so many people/organisations/schools etc are struggling. I also hate having patriotism shoved down my (and my kids') throat. But it's mainly the money...

WIBU to send the book back (haven't figured out to whom yet. I'm guessing not the queen) with a note saying 'no, thank you'?

u hav massiv intellect. wow.

Well, yes, but it's a democracy and dissent is still allowed. As a parent it is my choice/responsibility and privilege to say what my child gets or not, and this book, for me, is an item firmly for the recycling bin.

What is wrong with patriotism?

Oops my last post was in reply to Joyfultoes.

I completely agree with you OP! We've got two books as two children..they both generally really like books, but neither were bothered by this one, it looked 'boring' apparently! I guess it's a nice gesture, but I just can't get over the HUGE waste of money. I mean HUGE! For EVERY kid in the country??? Really? Waste.of.money.

(Was the illustrator the dark person that did Megan's book?)

If my kids were still at that age I would be pissed too, OP.

I like the idea of sending it to your MP with a note stating you think it's an irresponsible use of money. Not sure I'd want to pay for the postage, though.

You could sell it on eBay and donate 100% of the profit to a charity that you (and presumably your children too) want to support.

One of my two primary school-aged children came home with the book, and I think I may have inadvertently raised an eyebrow which betrayed my anti-monarchist stance.

I view the book as a colossal waste of money, however my son was very excited by it and declared it a lovely souvenir, so it has gone on his bookshelf. We have read a few pages and used it as a springboard to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the monarchy is an entirely positive thing. He is aware of my views but free to form his own.

His junior school went jubilee mad and all the children were off timetable for a week doing jubilee-themed activities. I did inwardly squirm when they all sang an über-patriotic song but my son and all his classmates really enjoyed the festivities and I didn't want to detract from it all by pointing out how trite the lyrics were. I do find the whole 'British Values' thing utter nonsense as not a single one of them is a uniquely British characteristic at all, but rather a hallmark of any democratic nation. But that's a whole other debate 😏

Sorry that was a typo, it was meant to say same person that illustrated maegans. Not 'dark'. Apologies

Speak for yourself- or if you must the approximately 45% of people in Scotland who want separatism.

It is a nice souvenir. The content is educational. It might be the only book some children own!

This country wouldn’t be in such a poor state if more people were able to think critically and see taxpayer funded propaganda when it’s put in their child’s hand 🙄. Get ‘em when they’re young and they’re yours for life.

The monarchy has never been less popular in modern times than it is right now. Vociferously criticizing the OP for objecting to this brainwashing of her own child - funded by her own taxes, no less - puts you firmly within the realms of serfdom, or “patriotism” I think you called it. They’ve done a number on you, eh?

You’re overestimating how much books cost to produce. It was commissioned by the government but produced by DK - a private publishing company who recoup their costs from its sale.

Time to take it easy.

I can’t see what’s wrong with it and think it’s good value if the next generation are more clued up on how our country is governed and our historical and cultural context and values.

The illustrations are really lovely, it celebrates the diversity of the U.K. and gives lots of timelines and facts about our country, people and culture that are nothing to do with the Royal family. I can’t see the problem with it- it’s quite well rounded.

Even if you are a republican, it’s pretty important to teach our children about our country and that’s what the book sets out to do. A lot of adults could do with reading this book, as many are ignorant to a lot of the facts in this book!

To some children this will be the only book they ever receive, the only book in their house. as far as money wasting goes I think free books is pretty forgivable.

I thought it was lovely 🤷🏻‍♀️

Totally agree.

Just cause you don't care, doesn't mean noone else does. My daughter loves her book, hers certainly wasn't a waste of money. I have no interest in the monarchy, but that doesn't mean my kids have to share my opinion.

I happen to think marmite is disgusting and a waste of money, should we ban it? Noone else's opinion matters of course

Well, tbh, from a school’s perspective, I thought the books were a pita - for a start, it was not taken into account that school numbers are not static, so we weren’t sent enough books for each child; the books were bulky and heavy, so a complete pain to sort out and carry down to every classroom to be handed out (obviously they didn’t conveniently arrive in one box per class); and they had bloody silly bookmarks with them that had to be separated out from each other. What a waste of time, when schools are overwhelmed with work and under resourced as it is. Bah, humbug. That said, I don’t think a book is exactly the most heinous waste of public money anyone could think of, - probably a nicer idea than many.

I don't who paid to publish the book but it is now on general sale on Amazon and so on so maybe they will recoup the cost.

It's not your book to give back OP

It belongs to your DS

@Fullofhotcrossbuns

This is what I was thinking ….

I want one so much. Please feel free to send to me with a protest note . I will take note and offer your protest to the world via the medium of fire.

Send it to me in Wales. We didn’t get them. My kids would love it.

I'm a teacher and must say that my pupils were all excited to receive it. I'm not a royalist, but it was much nicer than I expected. I didn't find them to be difficult to distribute either really. They went in the staffroom and everyone took enough for their class.