My Purse

I read a book intended for ages 3 and up and it was very interesting to notice the way the book encourages feminism.  In another class I'm studying diversity found in children's toys.  For example, all girls dolls are girls or attractive, hip men and all boys dolls are G.I. Joes or another fighting, stereotypical masculine male.  I found those same stereotypes in these children's book.  One of my favorite children's books when I was growing up, "My Purse" takes the reader through a day out shopping, buying girlie earrings, a birthday card with a unicorn and rainbow, and walking her through everything she has in her purse, including a mirror, comb, sunglasses, and tissues.

I feel like the main point of this book is to show girls what they're supposed to be like  It encourages a pink and purple loving, make-up wearing purse carrying girl to grow up and play the historical role of a girl.  It's a plain and simple child's book, with no hidden lessons or metaphorical messages.