Children's stories banned by Swedish toy chain
The Swedish toy company Brio has banned a book which was to have been sold in its 96 stores across the country. The book, which is a collection of amusing stories by children, was backed by Save The Children, Nordiska museet and Arla.
"We have decided to withdraw the book since we don't think it suitable for our target customers," said company spokesman Torsten Liljeberg to Dagens Nyheter.
He said that many of his colleagues regarded the contents of the book as being too coarse for sale in a toy shop.
The book is entitled Vad heter Usamas glömska bror? Var var det jag Laden - a pun on the name Laden, which translates to the somewhat meaningless "What is the name of Osama's forgetful brother? Where did I put it".
It includes jokes and stories sent in by children after an appeal on the back of milk cartons last autumn.
The book's editor, folklore researcher Ulf Palmenfelt, said that Brio is being over-cautious.
"Pee and poo and sexuality are a big part of what children laugh at. I don't really understand how it could be offensive."
TT/The Local
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"We have decided to withdraw the book since we don't think it suitable for our target customers," said company spokesman Torsten Liljeberg to Dagens Nyheter.
He said that many of his colleagues regarded the contents of the book as being too coarse for sale in a toy shop.
The book is entitled Vad heter Usamas glömska bror? Var var det jag Laden - a pun on the name Laden, which translates to the somewhat meaningless "What is the name of Osama's forgetful brother? Where did I put it".
It includes jokes and stories sent in by children after an appeal on the back of milk cartons last autumn.
The book's editor, folklore researcher Ulf Palmenfelt, said that Brio is being over-cautious.
"Pee and poo and sexuality are a big part of what children laugh at. I don't really understand how it could be offensive."
TT/The Local
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