Title: Reflects the priorities of our mindless educational system
Product review: May I recommend anyone interested in the book to read Nicholas C. Burbules (1986) study of this book entitled "Tootle: A Parable of Schooling and Destiny" found in Harvard Educational Review, 56 (3), pp. 239-256. Shades of current "no child left behind" policies can be clearly seen. "Learning means listening and remembering. This learning can be quantifiably measured and compared." Why is it wrong for Tootle to be happy after talking with the horse or smelling the flowers? Obedience to society is the key to success for Tootle. Is this always the message that we want to instill in our children? In the "happy ending", the kindly old teacher Bill has connived to make the meadow miserable for Tootle, who in turn feels gratitude to Bill for saving him - for his own good, of course. Is mindless conformity the educational priority that we want for our children?
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
