Debate about the rainbow fish: toxic children's book or valuable teaching?

Debate about the rainbow fish: toxic children's book or valuable teaching?

Kosmo, Österreich - The picture book "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, published in 1992, is an internationally recognized work and is considered a classic of children's literature. However, there is currently a broad debate about the moral message of the book. Critics describe the book as one of the "most toxic children's books", while supporters praise the lessons and praise the waiver of selfishness. These different perspectives continue to heat the discussion and lead to numerous polemical statements on social media.

critical voices argue that the book conveys false values. In particular, the "rainbow fish" is accused of giving the impression that children have to adapt to be accepted. The sharing of scales is interpreted as a metaphor for the loss of individuality. A comment that received over 13,000 likes describes the central message of the book as the need to give up your own uniqueness in order to be part of a community. The criticism is also expanded to the aspect of friendships in the book based on jealousy and not to real understanding.

The view of the experts

The child psychologist Rita Messmer comments on the current debates and explains that children perceive history differently than adults. She sees the rainbow fish as a positive figure that shares something beautiful without being damaged. However, Messmer warns that adults are excessively transferring their own, often complex worldviews to child perception and speaks of a problem of "overpsychologation". In their view, children should learn to become part of a larger whole and to join social systems.

In addition, critics emphasize that the book conveys a superficial view of friendship, as they are based on giving dandruff. Messmer, on the other hand, is of the opinion that such interpretations are covered and that the positive aspects of history should not be ignored. She sees in the stories of friendship and share important teaching content that supports children in their social and emotional development.

The role of children's books in development

Science shows that children's books are central components in the pedagogical and psychological development of children. They combine poetry and pedagogy for transfer of knowledge and promote profound development steps in the child's psyche. According to current research, children's books have positive effects on linguistic, cognitive and social development. Regular reading of children's books not only extends the vocabulary, but also improves language production and strengthens the bond between parents and children.

children's books such as "the rainbow fish" also treat social issues and promote empathy by enabling children to identify with characters. The design of children's books is also important; You should offer appealing illustrations and age -appropriate language to support the learning process. It is emphasized that not all children's books have the same effect and that the content should be selected according to the interests of the children.

The debate about "the rainbow fish" illustrates the complexity of children's literature and its effects on child development. The discussion between critics and supporters shows how important the reader's understanding is, while the child's science offers a clear framework for the importance and effect of children's books.