'I'm appalled': Alarming inclusion in baby book sparks outrage

“I mean out of all the things they could have chosen for a children’s book?”

Dominique Birouste

3 min read

April 30, 2024 - 4:18PM

Parenting

Don't miss out on the headlines from Parenting. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Some books I read my daughter leave me scratching my head.

From tufts of grass needing mailboxes to wondering why a banana is called a banana, there are definitely some stories that are better than others.

One mum has found another book that has left her not only scratching her head but totally appalled.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Wait, what?

The mum has taken to Reddit to share a few snaps of her baby’s book with a controversial food item included.

“My baby’s food book has a photo of beer in it,” the mum wrote.

The book depicts different food items with cute cartoon faces with two pages showing ‘beer’ as a different kind of ‘food’.

The "Beer" character cozies up next to its cheesy companion, "Pizza," while a cute cartoon of "Bread" pops out of a toaster on the following page.

While pizza and beer are a favourite combo for adults, we’re not sure how appropriate it is for a children's book.

The controversial illustration. Source: Reddit

Let the arguing begin

The comments section of the thread erupted with many choosing sides between ‘totally unacceptable’ to ‘it’s not so bad’.

One wrote, “It’s obviously a dumb design choice to teach the baby about a food they’re not allowed to try. Probably cheap books made with no thought given to it.”

Another added, “I was like ‘that’s probably just soda’ until I [saw] it literally says beer lol. I’m appalled.”

A third said, “I personally think it should be changed. It’s not like [she’s] not gonna explain to their kid what beer is and shelter them from alcohol.

“It’s moreso the fact that this book could’ve chosen any other food or drink, something that kids will be eating and drinking, but the author decided to [use] a picture of beer. It’s weird to me too.”

Another parent wrote, “Yep. That’s weird. I wouldn’t really call beer ‘food’ either. I don’t think it’s bad for teaching children about alcohol, but pizza and beer aren’t the best examples of food out there.”

But many more believed it wasn’t a big deal and the mum was making a mountain out of a molehill.

“If you’re that touchy about it say it’s juice, I’m sure your baby can’t read yet. Not that they will know what beer is for a long time,” said one.

Another agreed and added, “Meh. It’s kinda like a easter egg for sleep-deprived adults to laugh at while doing baby stuff all day, every day for month.

“So personally, I would laugh, but I understand some people think alcohol is a sin and would be upset they bought the sinful book.”

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Parents weigh in

We reached out to parents in the Kidspot community and asked if this book committed the ultimate faux pas or if the mum really shouldn’t worry and they all belonged to one school of thought.

Mum of three, Emma said, “Look, it's a bit of an odd inclusion in a baby book - but seeing as babies a) can't read and b) once again, can't read - I think they are safe for now.”

Dad of two, John added, “Sure, it’s a bit strange, but I really don’t think saying the word ‘beer’ to a baby is going to be detrimental.”

Mum of four, Jamie joked and said, “Usually in ABC books B is for ball!”

Whether you’re in ‘camp appalled’ or think it’s some harmless fun, we bet you’ll be checking all illustrations the next time you buy a book for a child!