As Banned Books Week draws ever nigh, I wanted to take time out from getting ready for the launch of "A Year of Reading Dangerously," to take a look at Karla Kuskin's The Philharmonic Gets Dressed.

As anyone (I hope there is an "anyone") who has been following the prelude to my project knows, children's author Karla Kuskin passed away recently. For the full post on her passing, click here.

While I wasn't able to find an official reason for why the above book was on an ACLU report about Banned and Challenged Books in Texas six years ago, as readers will recall, I cited several reader reviews from Amazon.com in discussing it.

My most excellent library happened to have a copy, so I requested it to see if I agreed with those reviews in its appropriateness. The main criticism of the books stems from Marc Simont's illustrations, showing orchestra members - as the title says - getting ready. Some of the reviews focus on body parts like butt cracks that are slightly exposed or women in bras or clearly naked folks covered with bubbles and perfume sprays.

While I try to be open minded, I'll be honest here: I have absolutely no issue with this book. It doesn't even warrant a raised eyebrow (my rating system). Quite simply, I think the book is charming.

Yes, there are slightly shown butt cracks and musicians in their underwear. But none of its vulgar. Considering that I don't wear shorts in public (both a self-esteem and asthetic choice), I consider myself prudish enough to question alleged nudity in illustrations.

It is my humble opinion that Simont's pencil heavy drawings hit a perfect pitch. Nothing is lewd. Body parts are obscured. There is nothing in the drawings that small children wouldn't see getting ready in the morning or playing in a the kiddy pool. No out and out adult parts are flaunted. 

Let's just say the undergarments and perfume sprays do their job while conveying a sense of people dressing. Last time I checked, little children do occassionally bear it all to get dressed in the morning. It isn't as though they haven't seen themselves before. (I can't speak from recent experience as I have a four-legged, furry child who is far to dignified to be dressed in people clothing).

Having now read the book, I recall one review by a teacher, who mentioned the drawings might cause children to laugh and get a little raucous. At the risk of being dismissive of someone's opinion, that review makes me want to laugh. Maybe it's No Child Left Behind but when we have problems with children in a classroom laughing at what is supposed to be a witty, funny picture book, I'd say we call it a day and do away with childhood.

So, to conclude my review, no raised eyebrow whatsoever. Adult that I am, I can smile having read a charming, subtle and enjoyable children's book.

May the Philharmonic play on!