Its Banned Books Week. So what Picture Books have made the list? You might be surprised.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, banned in some U.S. areas for, and "being an allegorical political commentary".
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak, for nudity when Mickey loses his clothes in the middle of the night.
A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein, apparently for a single poem and accompanying illustration which suggests that children could avoid washing dishes by breaking them.
Sylvester And The Magic Pebble by William Steig, for a quite ridiculous reason, possibly the most ridiculous of all these: the depiction of the characters as animals, particularly the police as pigs, apparently upset people.
Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein has been banned because the poem "Ladies First" apparently supports cannibalism; I would have never even thought of this, considering that the cannabilistic king is portrayed as evil in that he will be eating the narrator.
The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Hutchet Bishop was banned because it is deemed too violent.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, which some apparently considered sexist.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson for portraying the true story of a gay penguin couple at the Central Park Zoo in NYC who raise an egg together.
The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein is a gay portrayal of "The Ugly Ducking" story.
The Three Little Pigs by James Marshall is not only challenged because of the violence, but also on the grounds that pigs as food might offend the Muslim community.
Writers Weigh In! What are some other Banned and/or Challenged Picture Books out there?
Besides reading these wonderful stories, what else can we do to celebrate them this week?
Can I encourage you to change your profile picture for the rest of the week to one of these books with a link back to this page?
Wow, I didn't realize so many Shel Silverstein books had been banned. I thought they might be banned for his author photo on the back! LOL (that's from Wimpy Kid...that photo is a little spooky)
ReplyDeleteLOL! When I was a high school teacher I would always read "The Giving Tree" to my students. But they would get freaked out and distracted by the picture of him on the back. So...I learned to take the jacket off the book before presenting it. :)
DeleteThe list Kirsten linked to yesterday included Winnie The Pooh, Charlotte's Web, The Wind In The Willows and i think something else... can't remember... but all books that really surprised me that they should be banned!
ReplyDeleteThere have been many banned children's books, but I chose to only list Picture Books.
DeleteA picture book I particularly admire, "10,000 Dresses" by Marcus Ewert, has appeared on banned lists because of its portrayal of a transgender child.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing and rather horrifying what causes a book to be banned. (For copyright reasons I won't be changing my profile pic, but I wholeheartedly support waking people up to the misguided thought that leads to banning books.)
Good for you for posting about this, Marcie!
Marcus just told me about that book today. I admire him for writing about such a "hot topic". I look forward to getting my hands on a copy.
DeleteI just read In The Night Kitchen to my 6-yr old daughter and 7-yr old son. They didn't make a peep over the frontal nudity. Not even a giggle. And they loved the story/illustrations. Glad we decided for ourselves vs avoiding because of some list.
ReplyDeleteAs a nanny, I have read that story to soooo many kids and they never say anything either. To them being naked is normal. Such a gret story!
DeleteIt's absurd that banning books exists in this country. Two of my favorite books are on that list. I love the Giving Tree, I tear up every time I read it aloud to children.All of the books on your list are excellent. The Sissy Duckling is another touching book. Thanks for sharing Marcie.
ReplyDelete"The Giving Tree" is such a beautiful book. I haven't read "Sissy Duckling" but I remember when it came out. I worked in the Broadway community at the time and Harvey got a lot of press. I look forward to reading it.
DeleteHow dare they touch Sylvester! LOVE that book! Steig is my hero! Thanks for a great post Marcie.
ReplyDeleteI know editors sometimes say they don't like anthropomorphic animals...but Sylvester was banned because of it! LOL!
DeleteIt seems like almost every noteworthy book has been banned in some form for some reason. I hadn't realized Shel's books had been banned. I think people without a sense of humor should be banned. Kidding. Kidding. Maybe.
ReplyDeleteI think its a badge of a good book. :) Too often we "play it safe". And yes...I agree...if someone doesn't have a sense of humor I will ban them from reading my books. They aren't worthy of my books! :)
DeleteSylvester and the Magic Pebble is awesome...as are all of these books!
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the books on the cheerios box a few years back and now I carry it with me, in my work bag, JUST IN CASE I need a picture book on hand.
Thanks for compiling the list!
I love that you carry a book with you "just in case" and you have no kids! As a childless-by-choice Kidlit writer I understand that! :)
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