A lesson for children through book covers

As both a parent and someone who worked in our schools, I just have to comment on the front-page article about finding book covers. I must say that I am aggravated, but not surprised, about the issue.

In today's hectic and economically challenging times, with parents having difficulty with necessities, to spend the gas and time - not to mention the $2 to $5 for each actual cover - simply to indulge their child's desire is offensive.

As mentioned in the article, and in my experience, teachers are just fine with brown bag covers. And as for wanting "decorated" covers, hand your child some colored pencils, crayons or markers and tell them to use their creativity and design their own.

Finally, to Tucker's mom and all the other moms and dads out there: if your children are given the brown bag choice and don't want to take it, do them a great favor (for both now and the future). Tell them that they will have to accept the consequences for their decision. Do not write a letter to the teacher saying how it was your fault that you couldn't get them the fancy version.

Your children (and their teachers, employers and spouses) will thank you years down the road for teaching them how to be responsible for their choices.

Jo Buxbaum

Palatine