Little pigs criticism ‘may hurt publisher’

Jan 25 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A CHILDREN’S book publisher last night defended a work that was turned down for an award because judges feared a new version of the Three Little Pigs could offend Muslims.

Anne Curtis, creative director of South Tyneside company Shoo Fly Publishing, now fears the “narrow-minded” comments of the panel will damage the small company and its multicultural work.

Judges at the recent Government-backed Bett Awards rejected the digital book, The Three Little Cowboy Builders, a modern take on the classic tale, because it could not be recommended to the Muslim community.

They also thought the story would offend builders.

Last night, Ms Curtis said she had received support from the Muslim community and felt compelled to speak out about the comments on behalf of the East Boldon firm.

She said the book encouraged young people to do the right thing and learn their trade, to work hard and gain qualifications.

“Bearing in mind that the judges’ comments are in the public domain, we were at great risk of being seen as cynical and disrespectful to both builders and the Muslim community, both of whom we hold in high regard.

“Anyone who is familiar with our company will know our ethos and how we strive to use our skills to generate an understanding of the world in which we live and to respect each other and celebrate our differences.

“We at Shoo Fly are proud of our achievements. We are a very small team who know we are speaking out for all rational people, no matter what their religious beliefs.”

In 2006, it won the education prize in the region’s Spirit of Innovation Awards.

Judges rejected the digital book and said they had “concerns about the Asian community and the use of pigs raises cultural issues”. They also said the story might “alienate parts of the workforce (building trade)”.

A spokesman for the National Federation of Builders in the North-East said: “However fictional the characters in the book are, the issue of cowboy builders is very real and continues to undermine public confidence in construction.

“If the aim is to highlight the dangers posed by rogue traders, that’s a good message.

“Equally, organisations like the National Federation of Builders are keen to get the message across that construction is a skilled profession with a wide range of career opportunities.”

Dr Malik Chaudhry, secretary of the Pakistani Muslim Association, based in Newcastle’s West End, said the story had been turned down for a number of reasons.

“What seems to have happened now is that there has been a mountain made out of a molehill and in some respect I think the controversial issue has been singled out.

“This is now creating another division which we do not want in our society.”

Becta, the government funded agency responsible for technology in schools and colleges, said the book had been rejected for a range of reasons.

A spokesman said: “The reason The Three Little Cowboy Builders, from Shoo Fly Publishing, was not shortlisted was that it failed to reach the required standard across a number of criteria.”