From: CRTVENDV at aol.com <CRTVENDV>
Date: Wed, 8 May 2002 11:32:48 EDT

I've read with interest the discussion of humor and what makes children laugh. While we're on that topic, I'd like to hear your thoughts on books that pull the "double-whammy" by starting out funny and ending tragically.
     I'm thinking in particular of Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die. The first chapter is bust-a-gut hilarious and the book is funny throughout. However the ending is unforgettably heart-wrenching, to the point that some kids are profoundly disturbed by the main character being forced to deceive and then slaughter his pet pig.
       Any thoughts on an author's responsibility in this case?

Melissa Forney
 www.melissaforney.com
Received on Wed 08 May 2002 10:32:48 AM CDT