An Island Called Liberty by Joseph Specht
An Island Called Liberty is a cross between Dr. Seuss and Atlas Shrugged says the publisher. I picked up this 27 page hard cover book last year during my search for decent children’s books to have in my library. Whenever we host a small dinner party, children are always invited, and having new and unique stories about liberty used to be very difficult to find, especially for kids.
The story focuses on a fantasy island where the citizens are always increasing taxation and the power of the state, with the island’s businesses having problems overcoming the increased bureacracy. The language of the book is better suited to kids over the age of 9, but the wonderful image prints and fun poetry (a la Seuss) captivates the younger kids as well. I doubt most children would understand some of the finer topics, but this is one of those stories that older kids will go back to read and realize that a book they loved as a tiny child has some valid educational points later on in life. Even adults can read it and get a good idea of how much socialism has crept into our own society.
The quality of the hardcover build is wonderful, and the price of the book is decent for something built to last a generation or more. The art is top notch, and the poetry isn’t too over-reaching, just the right amount of rhythm and rhyme while still keeping the topics understandable.
The book is meant to be shared between a parent and a child and read out loud. It is a quick read and doesn’t focus necessarily on negativity and anger, but on the hopes for the future and the success of humans living without force. If you’re looking for new ways to teach your child individuality with voluntary cooperation, here is a great tool that will become more powerful as your child ages.
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