I can't say I didn't see this coming.

From MercoPress.com:

A children’s book about two male penguins that raise a baby penguin has been moved to the nonfiction section of two public library branches in Missouri, United States after parents complained it had homosexual undertones, reports the US press.

I'm assuming the article means the adult nonfiction section, rather than the children's.  The book was moved after two complaints.  Two.  (Well, one really -- two complaints, two branches.  You do the math.)

I think I'm going to start wandering around the children's room and finding picture books based on true stories that I find offensive.  Maybe now they'll finally move Koko's Kitten to the nonfiction section.  C'mon.  They should totally do it.  The kitten DIES.  Cute little cuddly DEATH.  That's WAY more upsetting than gay penguins.

(Oh god, I'm getting teary just thinking about it.  That book never fails.)

Comments

[Ramseelbird]

Yeah. And what about "Owen and Mzee" by Craig Hatkoff? It's topping the bookseller lists right now and involves a hippo being friends with a tortoise. Non-fiction depravity, I say! Oh what bleak and evil times we live in today.... *sob*.

Seriously, I'm shocked it took this long for someone to lob a complaint at poor "Tango". I mean, it's the best written picture book that discussing homosexuality with children. Can you come up with any better? I think not!

[VJCollins]

The death of a kitten (while sad) does not offend the religious sensibilities of some in the way that a book discussing homosexuality may. That is why this book has caused such a stir, particularly in California where it is now required reading. Some would argue that religiously themed books should also be pulled from the shelves as they may offend the sensibilities of those without religion. However, in my experience, religiously themed books are often quite easy to spot merely by glancing at the cover or title; whereas, when looking at the cover of "And Tango Makes Three" it is not overtly apparent how controversial the subject matter is even to some parents.