Arlene Sardine
Written by: Chris Raschka
When I first began reading this book I wasn't able to figure out why it was considered controversial. As I read further into the book I was then aware why some may feel uncomfortable reading this book to their children or to their students. The overall topic of the book is death; death seems to always be a tricky topic to discuss with children. However, the author allows the audience to feel a connection with Arlene before she is happily processed and packaged into a can. It's such an odd way to think about death. Death of animals is rarely discussed in picture books; however, here Raschka, goes a step further and discusses death and of an animal in order to provide food for a human. I could definitely see younger students getting upset at the thought of their beloved pet goldfish getting processed into a can ( a thought that may cross their mind ). Furthermore, the matter-of-fact details of this sardine's death create a vivid image in the reader's mind and the illustrations help assist the author's message. In addition, the front cover of the book displays Arlene, the sardine, in a visual pun of a sardine can. How could anyone eat sardines and not think of this story, I get shivers!
I feel like adults would be able to appreciate the humor in this book; however, I would be reluctant to share this book with students. Due to its controversial characteristics, this picture book is intended for everyone, of all different ages.
I didn't read this book for my blog, but I have read a few other classmates opinions on this book. Because this book focuses on the death of Arlene the Sardine, that is the controversial aspect. I agree that death of animals is rarely discussed in this way, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I don't think I would be opposed to reading this book to students, but I don't really see why I would desire to. Clearly, this book explores the food chain and how many humans eat animals. Although I have not read this book personally, I feel as though it may be graphic based upon the reviews. Children really could get the wrong message and relate this sardine to their pet (like you said). I feel as though this book would make students uncomfortable, but I don't think it would be an inappropriate book to have in this classroom if a teacher desired.
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