From: Andrew Ogus <andbooks>
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 1999 09:46:41 -0700

I'm a long time admirer and collector of Tomi Ungerer. I find two interesting threads in the discussion so far: appropriateness and memory/perception.

First, I think it's up to individual parents to decide what is appropriate for their children. Personally I have only admiration for "daring" artists like Ungerer, with his "violent" pictures, and Sendak, with his nude children, and the editors who strive for excellence instead of safety in their books.

Second, I'm fascinated by the memory of the "nazi" armband. Alas I don't own a copy of "No Kiss for Mother" (a serious gap in my collection) but I have seen it and don't remember this drawing. Sounds like Kathy Isaacs has the definitive copy. Obviously some readers see the overcoated figure as resembling Churchill or Hitler, and thus remember the armband differently. Another example of Ungerer's talent for expression and suggestion.
Received on Thu 05 Aug 1999 11:46:41 AM CDT