lues and are an important instrument for persuading children to accept these values. However, the stereotype of male and female continues to exist and rule such values. According to Edna Wignell (1976), the overwhelming majority of books for pre-school children including the popular standards like Dr Seuss and Maurice Sendak are written for and about boys. Even the animals are mostly male. She points out that it is obvious that little girls are expected to identify with boys, or simply to accept being left out. Whichever, the case the message that comes across is that girls aren't as important as boys. In other words, girls can't really be heroes. Even if they were, they wouldn't be as good as boys.
             According to Weitzman et al (1976), it would be impossible to discuss the image of females in children's books without first noting that, in fact, women are simply invisible. Females are simple under represented in the central roles, pictures and stories of most books. They are usually about boys, men, male animals and male adventures. Even where women can be found in the books, they often play insignificant roles, remaining both inconspicuous and nameless. It is not surprising that Cinderella gained her name through working by the cinders, Snow White got hers through her looks and the Little Mermaid didn't have one at all. And worst thing is, none of them were considered heroes, or heroines for that matter. In fact, they are portrayed as damsels in distress waiting to be
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