For Every Child, A Better World

For Every Child, A Better World was produced by Muppet Press in cooperation with the United Nations, as a fund-raiser for United Nations projects. It is dedicated to the memory of Audrey Hepburn.
The book begins with a Jim Henson quote from the letter he left his children to be read after his death, and an introduction by Brian Henson.
A number of global awareness themes are covered in the book, each in a two-page spread. An idea for what every child needs is introduced on one page which is followed by a depiction of those needs as perceived in less fortunate conditions. The format repeats throughout the book followed by a two-page spread of people around the world working together to make the quality of life better for everyone. The last two pages contain thumbnails of each situation presented in the book accompanied by an organization working to improve conditions in areas of the world where those problems exist.
The 2001 reprint features a new cover with Kermit leading a line of children around the world, a new message from Kofi Annan on the back cover, and updated descriptions of UN resources in the back of the book.
Better world intro.png|Introduction
Better world back.png|A Note to Parents
==Other printings==
File:For Every Child, A Better World 2001 reprint.jpg|2001 reprintISBN 9211008638
File:En bedre verden for alle børn.jpg|DenmarkVinten, 1993ISBN 9788741422398
File:FürEineBessereWelt-DenKindernZuliebe-(VonKermitDemFroschInZusammenarbeitMitDenVereintenNationen-MuppetPress-1993).jpg|GermanyMuppet Press, 1993ISBN 9783505081200
File:En bedre verden for alle barn Norway.jpg|Norway, 1993Translation: Kjell DragnesISBN 8259012448
File:En bättre värld för alla barn.jpg|SwedenRichter, 1993Translation: Louise MoëllISBN 91-7707-655-9
==Book ban==
In 2015, Marshfield Wisconsin School Board member Mary Carney attempted to have the book banned from public schools.Time "Wisconsin School Board Member Wants to Ban a Muppets Book" by Sarah Begley, December 9, 2015 
In July, Carney expressed concern over "subjecting the youngest children in our community to such negative, dark, depressing imagery" and argued that "young children should see the world for what it truly is — beautiful, good and hopeful — and their innocence remain intact for as long as possible."Marshfield News Herald "Changes to social studies curriculum prompts protest" by Jonathan Anderson, July 14, 2015 
The following December, Carney proposed a ban of the book on the grounds that it contains imagery "of suffering children living in poverty" and objected to "one illustration that shows a child living in a box". She called the book "too graphic" and named it among other books that "downplays American exceptionalism" by focusing too much on global affairs. In response, School Board Vice President Amber Leifheit noted that Carney was the only board member who raised concerns about the book, adding that she found it acceptable for the classroom curriculum. She said, "I believe it shows compassion for people other than yourself. I think that’s a good thing."Marshfield News Herald "School Board member wants Muppets book banned" by Jonathan Anderson, Dec. 8, 2015 
An eight-member panel made up of teachers, district staff, and community members later voted unanimously not to censor the book. Teacher Donna Smith cited children who suffer from homelessness, hunger, and abuse, despite the instinct of some who would want to shield children from the reality of these situations. Teacher Judy Nicksic noted that "many children would be disturbed, as they should be" but pointed out the importance of the dialogue that follows it, while another parent praised the book's ability to spark discussion with his child. Carney went on record as being "disappointed in the outcome."Marshfield News Herald "Panel: Muppets book should stay in curriculum" by Jonathan Anderson, Dec. 9, 2015
Marshall University in Huntington West Virginia includes the title in its list of "banned books", cataloged as "challenged, but retained" in reference to the Marshfield proposal, and identifies Carney as a member of the Central Wisconsin Tea Party. The university holds a copy of the book at their Cabell County Public Library.Marshall University Libraries Banned/Challenged Books of 2015-2016 maintained by Ron Titus
==Sources==
__NOWYSIWYG__
Category:Muppet Books
Category:Western Publishing