Down with Lime Books! A Story About Book Banning, by Jan Zauzmer

 

Publication Sept. 23,2025

Don't let the lively, colorful illustrations and bouncy rhythm fool you. This book carries a powerful punch. It not only introduces young children to what book banning is but offers them examples of how to fight back against it. You just know when you see the scowling face of a woman peeking in the library window that something is about to happen and, well, it does. It follows the now usual pattern of one person deciding they're offended, then getting vocal and drawing in curious, often clueless support. In this case it's lime colored books being used for books accused of being offensive for a variety of reasons or, for that matter, none that make sense. 

Seeing one child being brave enough to speak out and therefore rally opposition to censorship is a message we all need to take to heart. While remaining silent and above the fray may be easier, it doesn't accomplish anything other than allowing those who'd take books out of our hands to seem even more powerful. This example of taking action, especially when scowling adults are the opponents, could offer support to other youngsters who feel voiceless. The illustrations of smiling readers before the lime books were targeted and the more somber, sad expressions after were well done. There's humor to be found here, too, especially in the spread depicting the protest signs sported by the two factions. Quite creative and pointed and, yes, both sides are shown. I bet you can guess which ones showed thought.

Bottom line, while targeting  very young children, meaning adults will have to read this to them, this one should work with slightly older students, too. I'd nudge parents to read along with them, however, no matter the age, as there will surely be questions. No, you don't need to use the word metaphor but it would surely be helpful for younger children so see the connection between banned books because of content and this one simply using lime colored books symbolically. Thanks #Familius and #NetGalley for giving me this early peek at a very deserving book. I'll be sharing the info with many.