Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown

Late last year, when Nonna learned of my book blogging project, she generously scoured her Christmas stash and gave me the annual editions of Kohl’s holiday reading.  It was a significant philanthropic addition as I tried to rack-up 25 books worth reading.

I’m familiar with this retail holiday tradition because every year, our preschool gives each child a book from Kohl’s and a corresponding stuffed animal.  In years past we’ve received There’s a Wocket in my Pocket and a wocket (creep-ee), The Velveteen Rabbit and a rabbit that was not velveteen, The Wizard of Oz and Toto (also referred to as Puppy-o), and a kitten that is still around but we don’t remember what story she went with.  A number of these stuffed animals have “run away from home.”  Let’s not talk about it.

This year Kohl’s struck a deal with the Peanuts franchise and we received two identical Snoopies and two of the same book, You Can be Anything!

Nonna had already helped the Christmas elf holiday budget by contributing a copy of You Can be Anything! as well as Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.

Let’s just say, it’s unfortunate that we have three copies of You Can be Anything!  As Jake put it, “It’s not a story.”    Basically it’s just a bunch of unimaginative and, at times, questionable professions such as pirate, skateboarder, surfer, and bowler.  It mentions career possibilities such as lawyer and grocery clerk.  And then it makes an exceptionally weak case for just being “plain cool” as a roller derby star, bungee jumper and flash dancer.  I’d add one last page, as a specific aspiration for this particular book— You can be anything… a doormat, a Goodwill donation, landfill!  Don’t worry Nonna, you and thousands of other consumers couldn’t have known.

So I had fairly low expectations for Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.  Fortunately, I was completely surprised and my faith in  Charles Schulz has been restored.  It has become one of my latest bedtime favorites.

In a nutshell: It’s the story of Linus and his close relationship with his blanket.  “It made him feel safe and secure.  It soaked up all of his fears and frustrations.” He’s starting to get quite a bit of flack from his friends and big sister about still having a blanket.  I do have to warn you, there are a number of references to “that stupid blanket” which I surreptitiously replace with “silly.”  But, Linus’ biggest problem is that his grandma is planning a visit and they are certain she is going to unceremoniously and cold-heartedly impound his trademark lovey.  The only one who understands is Snoopy, who frankly just wants Linus’ blanket for himself.

Lucy warns her brother that when Gramma comes to visit, she’s going to cut his blanket into a thousand pieces.  Lucy devises a blankie-cessation program.  Then, in an unfortunate and highly suspect kite mishap, Linus’ blanket floats off into the sunset.  Just when you think this story is taking an insensitive and ruthless tough love stance on security blankets, Linus receives good news.

Then Gramma shows-up.  Linus makes a compassionate appeal to the fact that everyone has something that helps them get through their day, even Gramma with her coffee.  As expected, Gramma (aka She Devil) won’t listen.  She takes his blanket and of course we never see her.  She can’t even show her face.

Spoiler Alert: Linus has swapped his blanket with a dish towel, tricks Gramma, and lives happily ever after.

Families can talk about: What is going on with Linus’ hair?  And with Charlie’s hair for that matter?  What kind of loveys do you have?  How many loveys should you realistically bring to school?  Three puppies seems like overkill, doesn’t it?  Why does Sally call Linus her “Sweet Babboo”?  What does that even mean?  How can you tell if it’s Linus’ blanket or a dish towel?  Do you think Grandma would ever take your lovey?  Are you sure about that?  How sure?