A clever picture book that introduces the concept of banning books. What does it mean when something is banned and who gets to make that decision? It did seem to wander away from the focus so it is more of an adult picture book - kids may just think it is silly. Great illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy.

A beautifully written and illustrated picture book about banning books and the ridiculousness of it. This book releases during Banned Books Week (9/26) and I can’t think of a better addition to the children's area! This is a Great way to introduce the idea of banned books to kids.

I liked this book, but I do worry that the message might not come across to its intended audience. I do hope that it does, though, because it is an important topic.

I was intrigued by this book title so I had to request it. I requested the audio book and the ebook, because well I got the audio and then wanted to follow along with the illustrations, and I'm so glad I did. Personally, I liked the ebook better, because I think it just added to the story. The audiobook was well done by the author. The ebook illustrations were great, especially the color ones, some were pencil drawn. This story tells, at a child's level, how banning books is kind of ridiculous and pretty soon we won't have any books left, because everyone is offended by something, so everything can be banned if we complain about it enough. Pretty soon our schools and libraries won't have any books left for us to read because they were all offensive, when in reality they are entertainment and knowledge all available for us to partake in. Please don't take my books away.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It is a fun way to explain banned books and the results banning can cause. I think many adults should read this book, perhaps they will then understand why banning books is plain silly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title!

This Book Is Banned shows the absurdity of banning books and limiting intellectual freedom just because you don't like something. This title is a perfect primer for having a conversation with kids about how we should celebrate a difference in ideas and interests rather than shunning anything we don't agree with. The big idea may not entirely be understood by littler children, but I think they will find it humorous and find the ridiculousness of it nonetheless. This picture book was funny, witty, and just snarky enough that parents will get a laugh too. The illustrations are nice and pair well with the story.

This picture book is timely, but so so important for helping to teach children that diversity in thoughts and experiences are what make life so fun! However, I could be biased since this is dedicated to, "all the librarians & educators around the world who work tirelessly to ensure that kids & grown-ups have access to the books that matter to them." Thank you, Raj!

As you can tell from the cover, this picture book takes on the topic of banned books in a humorous way. We may never know what the original title was, since it has been covered by a BANNED sticker. The friendly directions that tell us "Turn Here" are crossed out, and someone has added the admonition "DO NOT!" There is even a X crossing out the unicorn's horn. Gasp!

A foreword explains what a banned book is. "It's when one group of people decides that no one should be allowed to read a certain book, and they try to remove that book from libraries and schools." The story then goes on to show dangerous banning books can be. What if there are giraffes in a book, but the hippos object? Out with the giraffes. Or what if there is delicious avocado, but there is "someone who thinks avocaos are GROSS?!" Okay, no more avocados.

On and on go the examples, absurd and hilarious, of things that might need to be banned. Robots on rollerskates? Birthday cake? (Someone might not get the slice they want.) And if the horses are offended by the unicorns' horns...You guessed it. Banned!

If your library or school is dealing with book challenges, this might be just the touch of humor you need to make it through. And if you have students asking you what a book ban is, let them try this on for size.

I read an advance copy provided by the publisher for review purposes. And I truly appreciate the dedication: "This book is dedicated to all the librarians & educators around the world who work tirelessly to ensure that kids & grown-ups have access to the books that matter to them." Thank you!

An incredible book at an important time in the literary world. This book speaks to what it means to be a banned book and what would happen if we continue banning books. Fantastic for teachers and families. The illustrations are adorable and very likeable! Children will appreciate the humour shared throughout the story as well.
After sharing this book on my social platform, many teachers and parents have added the title to their TBR list!

Lighthearted approach to a serious topic and is perfect for explaining to kids. Silly, fun book explaining book banning and how it can get out of control.

Ridiculousness overload is the theme of this book, but it's ridiculous with a point: if we only read books we agree with, we'll never learn anything.

Book banning is all the rage right now. We're cancelling books, people, ideas, everything just to kowtow to a few party poopers who have decided free thought is dangerous.

If being professionally offended is your thing, you'll also find this book offensive. Duh.

However, if you love books, and wish to encourage the imagination and creativity they inspire, then this is absolutely the book for you to buy for your child. It plainly and with great levity explains why book banning is bad and why allowing those who wish to stop free thought are the ones who should actually be stopped.

Kids will enjoy the fun, but the complex story will still make a good impact.

This book was so good. My daughters really enjoyed it. This book really hit hard for my older daughter who is almost 10. She sees news of libraries banning some books in the US and this book made her realize how wrong it is to do that.

Thank you to NetGalley and to SOURCE BOOKS for an ARC of this book. This book was cute but had a message. It shows the silliness of banning books. Maybe more adults should read this book.

I love this! This is sadly such a necessary book right now! I cannot believe we have to do this in this day and age, but here we are! Such a great book!

I adored this book. I could see much of the nuance being missed by audiences 7 or under, but there are ideas and pictures that will appeal to most ages. The message of encouraging the freedom to read and choice is clear, and I appreciated the repetition. I will be advocating for this title to be added to our collection, particularly with Freedom to Read week around the corner.

Loved lived loved this book! I SO enjoy witty books that parents will love but also appeal to kiddos - that is our magic!

If you’ve ever wondered whether a picture book can be both tons of fun and critically important, this book proves that, yep, it sure can.

The illustrations are a delight—my preschooler especially loved the partially erased hippos. “It’s silly to erase hippos just a-cuz they’re complain-y,” she announced loudly.

Proof that little folks can understand big ideas, like how ridiculous book challenges can get.

Read this book. Laugh at it with your kids and grandkids. And then read all the other books you want (even if I don’t personally like them).

Raj Haldar's new book is a tongue-in-cheek first lesson for children about book banning. Items banned in the book are giraffes, unicorns, even beds! The illustrations by Julia Patton are charmingly comedic. Whatever one's views are on book banning, this story suggests some of the absurdity that has or could result from severe limitations put on what books may be read by whom. This is a simple picture book that children will enjoy, but one that will begin an education about the subject. Reading this story with your child will trigger questions, starting an honest conversation about the banning of books. A lovely, important book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Hmm maybe some adults need to read this instead of kids, the target audience. Book banning has become such a thing these days I have gotten some questions about it from my children. This is a nice way to talk about it with children. I think the style of the book, kind of like a junk journal or graphic novel. I think that can be key to getting an older elementary student to give this a try.

Funny story about how banning books can sometimes be very silly. I don't know how much kids would relate to this, but I do think adults, especially librarians and teachers, would find it funny.

This is excellent! I hope it arrives in time for Banned Books week! It really neatly breaks down the absurdity of book bans, in a way that kids can understand (well, some people think avocados are gross, so we have to get rid of them!). It manages to point out the absurdity in a way that’s still funny, but not snarky, and there are some fun interactive elements (always a hit with the PreK and older crowd). Could make a really great addition to a Banned Books week event or storytime.