I was suprised by the TMNT children's fiction books by Dave Morris
 

One of the sub-collections in my collection of TMNT swag is several of the children's books, both those for young preschool kids and even the chapter books for elementary students. I've been rereading those very chapter books and have been mildly shocked by "mild language" in them. I really don't remember it from when I was a kid, but it strikes me as odd that these books designed for 3rd graders would have profanity, no matter how mild. Then again, they read as a little more serious than the Fred Wolf series that they are loosely based on (So far Shredder has appeared in 2 of the 4 books, and Bebop and Rocksteady in the one I'm reading now. I'm reading it right before bed, and thus reading in short spurts before I pass out from exhaustion and literately drop the book.)

Yeah, I've read them all recently that the "mild language" surprised me too!

I don't remember these books being terribly common back in the 90s, so maybe that explains why there weren't any complaints from the super-sensitive pop-culture watchdogs (that I'm aware of, anyway).

I dunna. I tracked these down because I did own them as a kid. But then again, I don't remember if any of my friends had them. I think my parents were just glad I was reading.

I really loved these books. But I haven't read them recently enough to recall specific "mild language."

They were pretty common, though. I believe my mom bought them for me from the grocery store.

I agree that if those books were printed today, (for the same intended age-range), they'd be getting a lot of negative attention from watchdogs and busy-body Moms.

And yet, when I was a kid and read those stories, and came across those "bad words", I knew that they were something I wasn't supposed to say, because my parent's taught me that. It didn't corrupt me, it didn't make me run around and start cursing at everything. It was just a word in a book that I read.

I could point to them...but that seems silly. But then again, I created a thread just to discuss them, so I guess we're due, eh?

Six Guns and Shurikens has 2 "hell"s and so far Red Herrings has had a "dammit." Again, very mild language, but these are books intended for 3rd graders.

EDIT: I hear ya, Nintendophile. I must have kept my mouth shut and not told my parents, they might have taken issue... :P

I have them all but have not read them for almost ten years. I remember Six Guns and Shurikens was my favorite. I know some don't like Shredder appearing so often but I always found the stuff he was in to be better. Here is a link to a copy for those who may not have one:


http://www.amazon.com/SHURIKENS-Teen.../dp/0440403928

I can't remember because its been so long was this the one that Leatherhead had a cameo in? I am thinking he was an ally opposed to the ultra cool enemy.

"Mild language?" What swear words did they say?

I guess you missed this:

Wow!!! I’m impressed on the super low prices!!!! What are some of the other books??? I may have to “Collect them all”!!!:lol:

Here is another one,Mona Lisa:http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Treasur.../dp/0440801796

Subtitled Buried Treasure. Maybe someone can give us a checklist?

Buried Treasure
Six Guns and Shurikens
Sky High
Red Herrings
Splinter to the Fore
Dinosaur Farm

There were also movie novelizations of 1 and 2 and a trivia book. My copy of the trivia book is really ton up. I've had it since i was a kid, though.

I really need to write up a review of the 4-volume book series that Steve Murphy wrote. Maybe DrSpengler will let me publish it for his website.

I'm sure he will. I ought to review the Morris books for GGM.org.

Ah yes, I remember those. They made Shredder seem like a credible threat again and even deviated from the usual pattern and allowed one shot villains to be involved. IIRC solely involved Krang and maybe his soldiers with no Shredder present!!

Man, this thread reminded me that I have some of these books in my closet with the rest of my regular books. I'll have to dig 'em up!

They're probably in there with my copies of the Unauthorized TMNT Trivia book, the Random House books that adapted episodes of the OT, and the novelizations of the first 2 movies. I gotta dust them off and give them another read I think!

Can I read them online?
 

Can I read them online or something like this?

http://www.mediafire.com/?rfb8v68h49epubu

Once again, we have six potential OT episodes that never came across. I have every one except for Dinosaur Farm, and Splinter to the Fore was interestingly listed as an upper-fourth grade level book while the others are mid-third grade level. That book also contains a female ninja, Murazumi Mieko that assists the turtles/Splinter. This story ends up fighting an alien from another dimension, and as Donatello says, "Earthlings. Now, that's not a phrase you hear much these days outside of bad 1950s films." These are neat little books that are fun reads in between OT episodes.

I remember these too. I had Six Guns and Shurikens, which I remember not liking, and Red Herrings, which I'm not sure I remember. I forget why I didn't care for it though. I think the premise overall felt too off compared to the cartoon, or the general TMNT universes. I also didn't like how the author always used "put in" when referring to someone saying something. Like:

"Cowabunger," put in Michaelangelo.

I'd probably like them more now though.

Stories
 

But what are all these stories about?