A Sneetch Is a Sneetch and Other Philosophical Discoveries: Finding Wisdom in Children's Literature

by Thomas E. Wartenberg

Taking Picture Books What can we learn about philosophy through children's books?This warm and charming volume casts a spell on adult readers as it unveils the surprisingly profound philosophical wisdom contained in children's picture books, from Dr Seuss's "Sneetches" to William Steig's "Shrek!." With a light touch and good humor, Wartenberg discusses the philosophical ideas in these classic stories, and provides parents with a practical starting point for discussing philosophical issues with their children. Accessible and multi-layered, it answers questions like, Is it okay for adults to deceive kids? What's the difference between saying the Mona Lisa is a great painting and vanilla is your favorite flavor? Each chapter includes illustrations commissioned especially for this book.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2013

About the author

Thomas E. Wartenberg, Ph. D., is a philosophy professor at Mount Holyoke College. His main areas of active research are the philosophy of film, philosophy for children, and the philosophy of art.

Reviews

[Steve Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not the book for me. It's an interesting concept, but it went deeper than expected, and i fell asleep several times while reading it.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best practical introduction to western philosophy I have ever read, using the framework of children's books to summarise the major schools of thoughts. It helps that, having an 8 year old daughter who loves her bedtime stories, I am familiar with most of the books referred to in Wartenberg's masterpiece.
The suggestions at the end of each chapter are very helpful in helping us introduce these concepts even to young children, and more importantly, to encourage their curious questioning and thinking about these topics.
I particularly enjoyed the summaries of the major philosophers and ideas, ranging from metaphysics, to logic and it's fallacies, then to environmental and social ethics, and even existentialism and continental philosophy to round it all off.
Definite five stars from me, and I am going to read the author's other offerings.

[Sue Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book - it takes picture books that are available and shows what philosophical ideas and theories can be illuminated by the book. Very helpful for teachers and parents who want to start philosophical discussions with children. Very accessible to anyone without any philosophical background. A great background for teachers using Philosophy for Children in schools.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A book that delves deeper into picture books, with great ideas for discussions with your kids!