Have you read them?

"Little Red Riding Hood," too? 12 books you won’t believe were banned

Image: Zoshua Colah

When you think of banned books, you might imagine something edgy, problematic, or revolutionary. But what if we told you that Where’s Waldo?, Charlotte’s Web, and even Little Red Riding Hood have faced censorship? We've collected some stories about the most innocent-looking titles being banned or challenged. Do you think you can guess why they were?

Image: Chelsey Marques

How could a well-known fairy tale like Little Red Riding Hood be banned? It came down to one added detail: an illustration.

The edition illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, published in 1983, was deemed inappropriate for children due to a seemingly minor element—Little Red Riding Hood was shown carrying a bottle of wine for her grandmother.

Image: BBiDDac

Martin Handford’s interactive book series—where readers had to find Waldo (or Wally) hidden within highly detailed scenes—became a worldwide sensation in the 1980s. However, one controversial illustration landed one of the books on a banned list in the US for 10 years.

Here’s why: one of the scenes, set on a beach, portrayed a small drawing of a lady showing a bit too much skin. That edition had to be revised and reapproved before it was allowed back in US schools and libraries.

Image: kiyu_01

Roald Dahl’s fantasy novel about a young boy embarking on a surreal journey inside a gigantic peach was published in the 1960s and became a beloved classic.

However, in 1986, a school district in Wisconsin temporarily banned the book after objections from a religious group. The main complaint was a poem in which a spider was described as "licking her lips"—a phrase they claimed was sexually suggestive, despite the fact that spiders don’t even have lips.

Image: cottonbro studio

Another beloved classic from the 1960s, Louise Fitzhugh’s Harriet the Spy was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a flawed, curious, and fiercely independent young female protagonist.

Harriet broke the mold of the tidy moral lessons found in earlier children’s literature—a shift that, of course, some parents disliked. Over the decades, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, the book was challenged in various school districts for allegedly promoting rudeness, lying, and disobedience.

Image: michael podger

First published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web is a touching and philosophical children’s book. It tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his unlikely friendship with a wise spider, Charlotte, who saves him from slaughter using messages woven into her web.

Still, this beloved classic was banned in parts of Kansas in 2006 for a surprisingly structural reason: religious objections to animals talking. In another instance, the book was challenged for mentioning death and for its supposedly "morbid" tone.

Image: Taylor Heery

In the story, the Lorax speaks for the trees, warning against the destruction of nature at the hands of greedy industry. But this environmental message didn’t sit well with everyone.

In 1989, a school district in Laytonville, California, removed The Lorax from its reading list after local logging companies and some parents complained. They argued that the book portrayed the forestry industry in an unfairly negative light—potentially turning children against the economic backbone of their region.

Image: Hilmi Işılak

Anne Frank’s diary has undoubtedly moved generations. First published in 1952, it has been translated into more than 70 languages.

And yet, the unabridged edition of this profound document has faced challenges. In 2010, for example, a school in Culpeper County, Virginia, removed it from its curriculum after a parent objected to references to Anne’s exploration of her body and her emerging sexuality.

Image: Joshua Woroniecki

Even L. Frank Baum’s beloved fantasy novel has faced censorship. In the 1950s and ’60s, several libraries—including some in Florida and Chicago—banned the book.

Critics argued that it was "ungodly" due to its inclusion of witches and magic. Some claimed the story promoted "negativism" and "theosophy," while others objected to Dorothy’s strong-willed nature, which they believed encouraged young girls to think for themselves and solve problems without the help of men.

Image: Max Gotts

Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are was banned by many libraries and schools when it was first released. This tale of a child’s fantastical escape into a land of wild creatures was considered too dark and scary by some psychologists and parents.

Others objected to Max’s behavior—particularly a scene in which he yells at his mother and is sent to bed without dinner.

Image: Jan Huber

Shel Silverstein’s picture book tells the story of a boy and a tree. Over the years, the tree gives everything to the boy—its apples, branches, and trunk—until nothing is left. Readers have debated for decades whether it is a fable of unconditional love or a cautionary tale of exploitation.

This debate has led to censorship in some circles. The book has been banned or challenged for allegedly promoting selfishness on the part of the boy and self-sacrifice to the point of self-destruction on the part of the tree.

Image: Ellen Kerbey

This 1960s picture book tells the story of a young donkey named Sylvester who finds a magic pebble that grants wishes. One day, in a panic, he wishes to become a rock to escape danger—and becomes trapped in that form for months.

However, in the 1970s, the book was banned in several US schools and libraries, including some in Illinois and California, mainly because police in the story were depicted as pigs. Some law enforcement groups protested, claiming the imagery was anti-police.

Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich

Another title by Dr. Seuss made the list! It may sound unbelievable, but Green Eggs and Ham was banned in China for about 30 years due to political concerns.

The ban claimed that the book contained "early Marxist ideas" and could be interpreted as promoting rebellion against authority. The notion that someone persistently tries something unconventional and ends up liking it was seen by censors as a subversive message.

Colors and what they represent

The meaning of colors: What shades say about clothes, décor, and mood

Colors aren’t just decoration: they’re tiny storytellers. They set the mood at dinner, change how we feel about our clothes, and can even trick us into thinking a room is bigger (or smaller) than it really is. Here’s a fun tour through ten of the most common colors and what they say in our daily lives. Warning: once you read this, you might never look at your closet—or your living room—the same way again.

Image: Filip Mishevski

Red is the show-off of the color wheel. It’s bold, fiery, and impossible to ignore. Slip on a red dress or tie, and suddenly you’re the main character in the room. Restaurants often use red in their logos because it makes us hungry—think ketchup labels, pizza signs, and soda cans. Coincidence? Definitely not.

In home décor, red can be a little tricky. A red wall screams, "Look at me!" A splash of red, though—like a lamp, pillow, or rug—can give a room instant warmth and energy.

Image: Merani Cosme

Blue is that friend who always calms things down. Think of the ocean or a clear summer sky—just looking at blue makes us breathe a little easier. Studies show it can even lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate.

In fashion, a blue suit or dress shirt has "trustworthy" written all over it. It’s a classic for job interviews and first dates, because it makes people feel safe around you.

Image: Larisa Brita

Yellow is sunshine in a crayon box. It’s the color of smiley faces, lemonade stands, and those sticky notes that keep your whole desk organized. Wear yellow, and people immediately think "cheerful."

When decorating, yellow brightens up any space. A pale yellow kitchen feels warm and inviting, like grandma’s house on Sunday morning. Too much, though, and it can be overstimulating—babies have even been shown to cry more in bright yellow rooms.

Image: Junior REIS

Green is the color of life itself. It’s the grass under our feet, the leaves above our heads, and the money in our wallets (if we’re lucky). Green clothes often give off a grounded, approachable vibe—perfect for that "I’m relaxed but stylish" look.

In home décor, green works like a neutral while still feeling lively. Olive green couches are surprisingly forgiving of snack spills, and sage walls look fresh without being overwhelming.

Image: Peter Fitzpatrick

Purple has been associated with royalty for centuries, and it still has that mysterious, slightly dramatic air. A purple scarf or tie says, "I’m bold, but I also read poetry."

At home, purple can be tricky but rewarding. Deep purple curtains bring elegance and luxury, while lighter lavender shades are soothing and romantic. A purple accent wall? That’s the kind of choice that makes your neighbors whisper, "Wow, they must be creative."

Image: Erik Mclean

Orange is like red’s more approachable cousin. It’s energetic but playful, the color of pumpkins, sunsets, and every construction cone you’ve ever tried to avoid. Wear orange, and you’ll never blend into the background—it’s the ultimate "notice me" shade.

In décor, orange works best in doses. A burnt orange sofa pillow can make a beige couch look exciting instead of boring. Pair orange with neutrals, and it feels warm and cozy, like a fall afternoon.

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Black never goes out of style. In fashion, it’s the ultimate slimming trick, but it’s also chic and elegant.

At home, black adds drama and contrast. A black lamp or table grounds a space, making lighter colors pop. Too much, however, can feel a little cave-like—unless you’re going for that "Batman’s lair" vibe.

Image: Hans

White is all about freshness and simplicity. Wear a crisp white shirt, and you look instantly polished—even if you got dressed in three minutes flat. The downside? White attracts stains like magnets attract fridge doors.

In decoration, white walls are like a blank canvas. They make rooms look bigger and brighter, but they can also feel a little… sterile. Add texture—like a fluffy white rug or a cozy throw blanket—and suddenly white feels welcoming instead of hospital chic.

Image: Doyo Hermann

Pink has traveled a long way from being "just for girls." These days, a pink shirt or dress can look bold, stylish, and surprisingly powerful. Wear pink, and you’re basically saying, "I don’t take myself too seriously—but I look good doing it."

In décor, pink can soften a room without making it feel childish. A dusty rose couch feels trendy and chic, while blush pink walls give off a warm, welcoming glow. Add gold accents, and suddenly pink is less "cotton candy" and more "cocktail lounge."

Image: Mary Skrynnikova

Brown doesn’t usually grab the spotlight, but it’s everywhere—coffee, chocolate, leather jackets, and comfy boots. Wear brown, and you instantly look approachable, dependable, and maybe just a little outdoorsy.

In homes, brown works like a cozy blanket. Wooden furniture, tan couches, or even a rustic rug instantly make a room feel grounded and warm. It’s the color equivalent of comfort food: steady, reliable, and always satisfying.