This blog post is by Emma Walton Hamilton, Co-Founder, Picture Book Summit, a Unite Against Book Bans partner.
At Picture Book Summit, we believe in the transformative power of stories. Picture books introduce young readers to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. Yet today, more and more picture books—particularly those exploring diverse identities, histories, and experiences—are being challenged or removed from shelves.
Banning Picture Books Inhibits Emotional, Creative, and Intellectual Growth
Censorship doesn’t just limit access to knowledge—it restricts creative expression and denies children the opportunity to see themselves and others reflected in stories. Imagine how damaging it would be for a child to think, “Here’s a book that includes someone who looks like me, feels like me, identifies like me—and it’s banned. It must mean I’m bad.”
Because picture books are designed to be read aloud, they provide ideal opportunities for teachable moments and family discussions. Instead of banning books, adults can engage children in meaningful conversations, offering context, answering questions, and fostering critical thinking. When books are removed, they often become “forbidden fruit,” consumed in isolation and without the guidance that helps young readers navigate complex topics.
Picture Book Summit Founders and Participants Support the Freedom to Read
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, my Picture Book Summit co-founders and I convened a roundtable discussion to explore the harmful impact of book bans. Our conversation made one thing clear: when books are banned, young readers lose access to stories that could shape their understanding of the world and even change their lives.
The authors and illustrators who participate in Picture Book Summit—whether as keynote speakers, workshop leaders, or attendees—create and support books that celebrate inclusivity, curiosity, and free expression. That’s why we’re proud to stand with the librarians, educators, and many other advocates and organizational partners as part of the Unite Against Book Bans coalition.
Unite Against Book Bans Named 2025 Charity Partner
Each year, Picture Book Summit selects a reading-related charity partner to receive a portion of our proceeds. This year, we are proud to name Unite Against Book Bans as our 2025 charity partner. We share a common mission: ensuring that children and families have access to books that inspire, inform, and reflect a diversity of experiences.
I’ll leave you with a quote from the beloved (and frequently banned) author, Judy Blume, that inspires so much of the work we do to stand up for everyone’s right to read freely:
“I’ve known librarians who have saved lives by handing the right book to the right child at the right time. And for that one kid, finding themselves in a book can be a lifesaver.”
Together, we must ensure that all children have the right to find themselves in a book.
The Picture Book Summit is a writing conference just for picture book creators. Learn more about our next conference, October 4, 2025, on our website.
