My father warned about the TV Monsters. These creepy creatures lurked in a dark forest, waiting to catch and chew up an unwary kid.
There was a way to get safely through those sinister woods. The TV Monsters couldn’t hurt you if you held a book in front of your face.
Now imagine substituting “tablet computer” for “book” — talk about fairy tales.
The Internet is the greatest advance in communications since the invention of movable type. Technology has given us new and useful ways of conveying information. Someday digital devices may replace paper.
But for the feel of civilization, of human thought and achievement, I’ll take a library or bookstore any day. I’d rather see a parent read to his or her child in the evening than plunk the kid in front of a computer.
Some parents don’t have either choice. It is for them — but especially for their children — that I ask you to consider supporting the Mercury News’ “Gift of Reading” drive this holiday season. (You can call 1-408-882-0900, ext. 11 or visit the Web site for more information.)
The campaign, co-sponsored by the non-profit Kids in Common, is aptly named. Few activities bring as much usefulness and satisfaction to our lives as reading. With a goal of 65,000 books, we’re talking about many, many gifts.
Remember, this is about children’s books. New volumes — but not coloring books or textbooks — are best, say the organizers, and any used book should look like new. Don’t gift-wrap the books, please.
Maybe the TV Monsters won’t thank you for your generosity. But you don’t even have to see them complain. Just hold a book in front of your face — and give one to a kid who can do the same.