The Stupids Die

The Stupids Die By Harry Allard Illustrated by James Marshall

It is not only this book, but this series of books that are controversial to many people. Even the title The Stupids Die, could be taken by many parents as an inappropriate title. Many parents ban the word "stupid" from their household if they have young kids. I think these books are funny, and quite witty but I can see how parents could question their child reading them. The word "stupid" is repeated over and over in this book which gives off a very negative vibe. It also encourages this word to be said by children since it is in a book of theirs. I also find it kind of strange that the whole Stupid family eats breakfast together in the shower. This gives off the wrong impression of family bonding. I don't see it suitable for a children's book. Many of the Stupid family books also give off the notion that it is okay to talk back to your parents. This particular story about the Stupid family does not, but I don't see that as being alright either.

The pictures are very simple, and use only a select amount of colors. There is a consecutive layout, the pages on the left are white and have text, and then on the right page is always a picture. There is a white border and then skinny blue border around each illustration. I did find it amusing that on each wall of the house there is a new picture hung up that has a photograph of for example, a bird, but it is labeled "bus."