Past Events

Raj Haldar, “This Book is Banned”

Left Bank Books, Schlafly Public Library, and Washington University Center for the Humanities presents Raj Haldar, author of the #1 New York Times best-selling picture book, P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever.

Join us for read aloud and discussion of This Book is Banned, a hilarious and thoughtful new picture book that underscores the importance of the fight against censorship in schools and libraries across the country. Discover just what happens when we aren’t allowed to freely share and explore ideas with this funny, self-referential picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again.

Join in person or watch the livestream on Left Bank Books’ YouTube page.

About This Book is Banned

Banning books is downright dangerous — and if you manage to make it to the end of this book, you might just find out why.

Raj Haldar’s hilarious and thoughtful new picture book underscores the importance of the fight against censorship in schools and libraries across the country.

This is a book about dinosaurs. No it’s not. Dinosaurs are not allowed.

Oh. This is now a book about avocados! Sorry. We deleted those too.

FINE. This book is about — nope! Forbidden! BANNED!

Maybe you shouldn’t even try reading this book... But what could possibly be inside?

Discover just what happens when we aren’t allowed to freely share and explore ideas with this funny, self-referential picture book romp that kids (and grown-ups) will want to read over and over again.

About Raj Haldar

Raj Haldar is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling picture book, P is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever. But, for close to a decade, he has been better known as Lushlife, the rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist. In that time, he’s amassed a fervent global fanbase and released award-winning viral music videos that highlight his erudite lyrics. The Sunday New York Times describes his work as “an intoxicating mix of captivating rhymes with audacious, gorgeous production.” So it should come as no surprise that Haldar has made the leap into the world of children’s literature. His latest book, This Book is Banned, gives young readers a lighthearted entry point to begin understanding the dangers of book banning and censorship. His work has been featured by The Washington Post, Interview Magazine, VICE, Pitchfork, Village Voice, Mental Floss, BBC, SPIN and more.