Parents' Guide to The Day the Books Disappeared

This appealing, funny, and thought-provoking picture book can spark conversations with little ones about the importance of honoring different perspectives and having empathy, and even about book banning. The Day the Books Disappeared is a delightful, layered story, with absorbing art by Dan Santat. Authors Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin Pritchard deliver a story that's on the surface about the negative impacts of one boy's behavior and his growth as he repairs his mistake, but it's also a subtle commentary on book banning. The art and text is perhaps nowhere more full of depth and symbolism as when a smiling Arnold walks past a shocked and frowning friend whose book he's just wished away, and the text says "But Arnold was too delighted to notice." Santat's illustrations are telling two stories, one the more literal tale of what's happening in the classroom, and the other of what's happening in Arnold's imagination. They perfectly communicate the many layers of the story.

The book has valuable lessons on the importance of perspective-taking, kindness, and compassion. When Arnold realizes the impact of his actions, the moment is relatable and will spark thinking and conversations around how his experiences apply to real life. The ending shows the beauty of being curious about different ideas and how they can widen our world. Most younger readers will probably not pick up on the book banning theme, but it certainly creates an opportunity for families to talk about their values around book bans and the freedom to read. If you're looking for a book that's got powerful social-emotional lessons and stunning art and is a great conversation starter, this is definitely it!