It's probably not too surprising that kid's books are gimmicky. You've got your tissue paper guy. And the lithograph guy. And then you've got the authors with story gimmicks. Like If You Give a Moose a Muffin or If You Give a Mouse a Cookie or the soon to be released "If You Give a Rat Some Poison".
The gimmick I've been reading a lot of recently is Curious George. If you haven't read the books, I'll give you a summary of every single one. George is curious causing him to get in trouble. After a stern lecture, George is back in action to save the day. Everyone forgets about the trouble he caused earlier and he ends up a hero.
First of all, is that really a good lesson to teach kids? The implication is that if you screw up, you better walk ...
on water soon. I guess it's not too big a deal. It is just a monkey.
Anyway, my real issue is with this man with the yellow hat. Has there ever been a less responsible pet owner? This guy leaves George unattended in some stellar situations. You can imagine the hilarity that ensues when the yellow hatted one leaves George alone in his friend's pharmacy ... with a loaded handgun. That George is a rascal.