The New York Public Library is a place filled with an air of mystery, history, and yes, even controversy. From 1947 to 1972, there was one book that couldn’t be found within its hallowed halls – “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. This beloved children’s book faced a 25-year ban, not because of government censorship or concerned parents, but due to one woman’s disdain.
Anne Carroll Moore, the head children’s librarian at the time, deemed “Goodnight Moon” as “unbearably sentimental” and lacking educational value for the young minds who wandered through the library. Her dislike for the book led to a “soft ban” that delayed its initial success. Moore’s influence extended beyond the New York Public Library; many librarians across the country followed suit and banned the book as well. Even after her retirement, her legacy continued to loom large, as she reportedly tore up a list of new children’s books planned for the library shelves.
But “Goodnight Moon” faced yet another threat of ban in the 2000s, this time due to illustrations from a bygone era. The book’s illustrator, Clement Hurd, depicted a man smoking a cigarette in one of the pages, sparking concerns that it might inadvertently encourage children to take up the habit. In response, HarperCollins and Hurd’s son collaborated to digitally alter the image, removing the controversial cigarette. This move raised questions about the intersection of history, art, and technology in the world of children’s literature.
Despite these challenges, “Goodnight Moon” maintained its status as a beloved classic. The book’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal and the nostalgia it evokes for generations of readers. As we reflect on the journey of this once-banned book, it serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and endure the test of time.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.