Doubtlessly, may of you have become aware of Latawnya, the Naughty Horse, Learns to Say "No" to Drugs — the children's book that features smoking, drinking, and overdosing horses. Since this story was uploaded on Something Awful, it seems one of the side effects are the reviews to be found about it on Amazon.com. It seems that many have been so touched by Latawnya's story that some abusers have finally given up drugs and some parents are now able to finally speak to their children about the dangers of narcotics.
It seems the imagery of horses is able help open peoples eyes to the dangers of drugs. Metaphors will do that to you. Take, for instance, this review.
As a responsible parent I often worry about my kids smoking drugs and drinking alcohol. I find it very difficult to discuss these topics frankly with my children, but this book has given me a way to approach them in a way kids can understand. By using the imagery of horses, Mrs. Gibson manages to evoke a fear of drugs that will hopefully make my children turn away from them without experimenting in any way shape or form. I can only hope Mrs. Gibson creates another book in which I can inform my children about the dangers of pre-marital sex.Amazon.com: Reviews for Latawnya, the Naughty Horse, Learns to Say "No" to Drugs: Books: Sylvia S. Gibson
Echoing that sentiment, I believe a sequel highlighting the dangers of premarital sex. Author Sylvia Scott Gibson is an idea machine who, in addition to writing this superb book, is also an inventor. Indeed, she is not one to rest on her laurels.
I expect a sequel to come out sometime in 2008.
