Banned/Challenged

Sendak, M. (1970). In The Night Kitchen. New York: Harper and Row. 

This book is banned for the nudity of a the small boy.  In one illustration it is almost clear that the child has been circumsized.  For young children reading with their parents, this book is a fun read.  It rhymes and it stems from the imagination of a small child’s dreams.  He dreams of landing into the baker’s bread in response to their calls for milk.  Then becomes the hero as he retrieves milk and finishes the recipe.  In a public facility, the book may not be appropriate to share with groups of children due to the nudity.  

Steig, W. (1987). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Aladdin Picture Books.

Sylvester is a curious little donkey who stumbles upon a magical red pebble and incidences foolishly result in his wish that he would be a rock.  For a long time Sylvester remains a rock and realizes how dearly his misses his family.  The story gives some insight as to what life as a rock must be like and readers will be thoroughly relieved at the ending of the story (hint, hint).  The book has been banned because there are pigs in the story characterized as policemen.  I wouldn’t hesitate to share the story in a classroom because the positive impact of the language and writing used by William Steig far outweighs the negative impact children may experience witnessing pigs dressed as policemen.