When children's books get popular, they get popular beyond borders and nations, like Enid Blyton books, for example, or the Harry Potter series.
In 2014, however, the children's book that is causing ripples is "My Parents Open Carry", and for all the wrong reasons.
One of the most controversial events of 2014 in the United States has been the explosion of Open Carry laws that allow people to carry their firearms openly in public.
While it is a visible defence of the second Amendment to the United States Constitution guaranteeing the right to bear arms, it's an all too public representation of America's love for guns gone wild for others.
Now, sitting on top of Amazon's bestseller list for Children's Government Books, is a book that explains how families that love guns together stay together.
Written by co-founders of Michigan Open Carry, Inc – a non-profit that promotes open carrying of firearms for self defence – Brian Jeffs and Nathan Nephew, the book narrates the delightful story of 13-year-old Brenna Strong and her loving, gun-toting parents.
Amazon book review says that along with her mom, Bea, and her dad, Richard, Brenna spends a typical Saturday running errands. But what is not so typical about them is that the Strongs carry handguns for self-defence and join a growing number of families that are standing up for their 2nd amendment rights by open carrying and bringing gun ownership in to the mainstream.
"If you open carry and have a difficult time explaining why to your family and friends, or if you want to learn about the open carry of a handgun, or if you've wondered if open carry is right for you, then this book is what you need," they tell the prospective buyers. Children!
The authors' goal apparently was to provide a wholesome family book that reflects the views of "majority of the American people", that self-defence is a "basic natural right" and that "firearms provide the most efficient means for that defence."
They even have a word of advice for the parents of children who are home-schooled: "This book is an excellent text to use as a starting point on the discussion of the 2nd Amendment."
At Odds Show, a political podcast show hosted by a moderate and a conservative, posted a video promoting the book and called it "a children's book to help get the conversation started about the Second Amendment, self-defence, and personal responsibility."
On 5 August episode of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert opened the show by taking a look at "My Parents Open Carry."
After noting that discrimination against gun owners "hurts the children," he said "fortunately, two gun-lovers have written a children's book advocating the open carry lifestyle. It's called, My Parents Open Carry, and it tells the heart-warming story of Brenna, her mom, and what looks like her other mom wearing a moustache."
After reading a passage where Brenna's parents explain the evil in the world that necessitates handguns, Colbert remarked, "What a beautiful bedtime story. "The world is full of maniacs who want to hurt you and the police can't help. Goodnight, honey. Let me just open the window so you can get a breeze."
He read a paragraph-long description of what Brenna's mother and father were wearing. "Now, that might seem like a lot of description for a children's book," he said, "but remember — a detailed description is required for the police report."
While Colbert and many liberals may be unimpressed by the book, there are many who vouch for it.
"Outstanding, outstanding...every person should buy 5 copies of this book. Very well done...I believe long overdue." James Towle, Host--American Trigger Sports Network.
"I love it...boy does this fill a vacuum!" Alan Korwin, gunlaws.com.
"Wow we have two geniuses... The book by Jeffs and Nephew makes me proud... A wholesome children's book on the joys of having parents carrying guns openly." J. Hood
"Loved it, I ordered a copy for our school's library" John Roshek, Founder--Citizens League for Self-Defense.
