This is a picture of Clement Hurd, who illustrated the child's book Goodnight Moon (thus the reason I chose this picture, as it was my favorite growing up). From the dust cover of the book itself, we can see that Hurd is awkwardly holding his right hand up to his chest in almost a "come here" motion. This is because before the photo was rendered he was holding a cigarette. The image was most likely changed to be more appealing to the parents who would buy this book for their children, as smoking is often considered a terrible habit. In the long run, I doubt this editing was harmful to anyone, but it could possibly help market the book better.
All the same I'd read it to my kids, cigarrete or not.
I didn't notice this picture when I was cruising through them. This seems like a pretty harmless correctionk if even a little bit silly. I agree that Goodnight Moon should be read to kids irregardless of the author's health habits.
ReplyDeleteI chose the same one, and I agree marketing strategies are sometimes just a little too nitpicky.
ReplyDeleteInteristing....I don't think that something as small as a cigarette on the front of a children's book cover really matters. I don't think that the children will be looking that close to the flap. But hey, I guess if you wanna please parents, photoshopping it out isn't too big a problem.....
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Alex. I'd read the book to my kids whether he was holding a cigarette or not.
ReplyDelete