a caterpillar isn't always a cigar

I love it when a class is mostly about reading books. I always feel like I’m getting away with something, because I usually enjoy it so much. Of course, these initial preschool to elementary school aged reads aren’t exactly my thing, but I haven’t even really minded that either. It’s actually sort of interesting to experience these books because I wasn’t aware of most of them as a child. I kind of feel like I’m catching up on them. It’s never too late!
One of the weirdest things about rereading some of the folktales that I am familiar with is that I think they strike me as more morbid and creepy than they did when I was a kid. There’s always a big bad wolf or fox or troll… something always lurking and waiting for the right moment to pounce! I can handle the creepiness if there is a lesson being offered. But the purpose of books like The Gingerbread Boy, honestly, escapes me. What am I not getting?
I’m actually appreciating the discussion boards more than I thought I would. It’s kind of fun to just sort of dissect what is, on the surface, simple and straightforward. Who knew I could reflect on the concept of transformation after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, or considering the importance of karma in the Hindu tradition while reading Once a Mouse? It’s been illuminative for me to think of the fact that it’s ADULTS writing these books. It really opens up a lot of issues to examine.