What a great book presenting real life talk in a kid friendly way. The book addressing the hot topic of book banning by comparing books to colors. It allows for open discussion of differences and acceptance.

A very important message in Down with Lime Books by Jan Zauzmer. I enjoyed the rhyming text and how it handles the intensity of book bans and talks about the importance of kids having the choice to read what age-appropriate book they want to read. The illustrations by Blanca Millan are bright, beautiful, expressive and show much diversity throughout the spreads. I really liked reading this book and would recommend librarians, teachers and parents to pick it up for their kids!


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Jan Zauzmer, the author, Blanca Millan, the illustrator, Familius, and NetGalley for the opportunity to be able to read Down with Lime Books. I will share my review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble upon release.

In this important tale told in whimsical rhyme, a group of citizens who hate "lime colored books" heads to the local school to express their discontent with the presence of these books in the school library. Considering the relevance of book banning in our schools and society, this is a great way to introduce children to activism, standing up for their rights to free speech and free press, and organizing for collective action for change. I loved the way the book ended, and I really liked the adorable art and full page pictures of the town. This story will definitely encourage children to stand up for themselves and others in ways that are positive and effective, and protect education and access to information for everyone. The cover is definitely attention grabbing, with the bright yellow caution tape across the front and the blurb "A Story About Book Banning," which gives you a clear indication of what the book is focused on. I would recommend this book for any child's library, but I think would also make great additions to school libraries, class libraries, etc., considering all children may not have access to these kinds of messages at home, depending. I loved it!

Major themes:

- Activism/Collective Action/Protesting
- Book Banning
- Expressing Yourself Clearly and Respectfully
- School library
- Access to free education and information

4.3/5 stars!

This is a great book that is an age-appropriate way to teach kids about book banning. The number one thing that I like about this book is I truly believe that it will inspire young readers to take action against book bans and stand firm in their right to read. The way the author translated a real-world issue into a kids' book was impressive and utterly flawless. I have no doubt that this story will make total sense to its entire audience. Lastly, the detail of the illustrations was phenomenal! They were so impressive and vivid that they pull readers into the story, and readers feel completely involved in the book that they're reading. This is an all-around perfect and impressive book; bravo!

"What do we need? Freedom to read!"
A surprisingly bold and timely book—presenting a very adult issue through the lens of a children’s story. What if someone decided that all books with green covers were dangerous, unhealthy, and had to be removed from libraries? It's a clear metaphor, and the message hits hard: today’s “green covers” could mean anything—or anyone. A powerful way to start age-appropriate conversations with young readers about censorship, human rights, and the troubling direction some societies (including America) seem to be heading.

Down with Lime Books! highlights just how silly book banning is and how one person's opinion shouldn't affect the freedom to read for everyone else. This is an easy to understand book for kids to help them understand why books might be disappearing from their schools. I think the real heroes in this story, and in real life, are the librarians standing up for the kids, but this book shows that kids' voices matter too. I will be recommending this to every librarian I know.

I loved this lively picture book. This new spin on book bans that gives us an example that makes it easy to draw parallels for little readers to other forms of discrimination and persecution.
The rhyming text and colorful illustrations will have littles laughing while learning about why we should not judge a book by its color.

In Down with Lime Books!, Jan Zauzmer crafts a playful yet pointed picture book that wraps a deeply important issue—freedom of expression—inside pages of vivid rhymes, bold illustrations, and spirited resistance. What begins as a cheerful library brimming with books of every shade soon takes a turn, as lime-colored titles become the target of an odd and unsettling ban. But the children? They notice. They care. And they push back.

Blanca Millán’s illustrations burst with life—wide-eyed kids immersed in stories, clueless bystanders, and schemers with grumpy scowls. The visual contrast between joyful curiosity and fearful control sharpens the book’s central message.

Zauzmer's clever use of color as metaphor lets children grasp the concept of book banning without needing to decode heavy-handed explanations. Lime becomes more than a color—it stands in for anything someone decides is "too different," "too strange," or "not for kids." Though the rhyming text bounces with energy, it never masks the seriousness of the underlying theme.

What truly sets this book apart is the way it models resistance. The children don’t scream or fight—they investigate, gather, speak, and act with heart. They rally together to restore not just their books, but their freedom to choose. Educators and librarians, too, are beautifully honored here, portrayed as firm allies who refuse to cave under the pressure of fear and false morality.

A timely, courageous, and heartening read, *Down with Lime Books!* will make young readers giggle, think, and—perhaps most importantly—feel seen. It’s a story that nudges us all, gently but firmly, to stand up when someone says a certain story doesn’t belong.

What would happen in a world where books are banned based solely on their cover color? This picture book explores the idea of one person having the power to ban a book based on its cover color and the absurdity of this premise. Implied is how ridiculous it is to ban a book for whatever reason…. But this scathing satire is kid friendly, colorful, and vibrant! What a great way to empower kids and showcase ways to be little rebels against injustice. Highly recommend!

A perfect analogy for kids about the ridiculous notion of book banning. The pictures are bright, engaging and it was fun to follow our cast of kids through the story. The words have an easy to read rhyming rhythm that made it fun to read out loud. Definitely one I will be picking up upon release for our home library.

How do you explain book banning to kids who think it's just nutz? By using a book like this one which shows the process by substituting a color for whatever offence is aimed at the books. It also shows how kids can get involved in peaceful protests and learn even more from the changing minds.
The illustrations by Blanca Millan are on target, simple, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library! Pub Date Sep 23, 2025
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected galley proof from Familius via NetGalley. ***** #review #goodreads #storygraph #NetGalley #librarything @waterstones #NetGalley #DownWithLimeBooks by @janzauzmer and illustrated by @blancamillanilustra @familiusbooks #KidsBookstagram #kidlit #Book Banning #childrensbookillustration @childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #picturebooks #kidsbooks #parenting #positiveactions

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.