Have you heard that term used?
I have. A lot.
I see it in book reviews… “Half Broke Horses is like ‘Little House’ for grownups!”
I see it in tv reviews… “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman — it’s ‘Little House’ for grownups!”
Am I the only one perturbed by this comparison?
Not only do I doubt that all of these books and television shows (the aforementioned ones being only examples — many have earned the description over the years) can really even begin to measure up to the superb quality of the Little House series (both books and show, because even if you’re still mad 35 years later that the show didn’t follow the books, if you watch it objectively, you can’t help but notice it really was a very high quality show in its own right…), but doesn’t the descriptor imply that “Little House” itself is NOT for grownups?
And if “Little House” is not for grownups, then why are we all here on this blog? And why are we holding academic conferences that aren’t even recommended for children at all?
I will agree that the “Little House” series is classified as children’s literature, and that children love “Little House,” but does that mean “Little House” isn’t for grownups? Obviously, if you are reading this blog, you agree with me that it is. But why?
Tell us what “Little House” means to you as an adult, or why you enjoy it despite it being classified as children’s literature. How many reasons can we as a group come up with for why “Little House” is not just for kids!?