On Wednesday, publishers pulled a children’s book tied to a BBC TV spin-off after claims it was racist and used bad stereotypes to depict Muslims.
Oxford University Press (OUP) apologized for scenes in The Blue Eye, a Biff, Chip and Kipper story used in classrooms to help children to develop reading skills.
In the book, its child heroes travel to the Middle East, where people are described as “scary” and “unfriendly” .
OUP confirmed that the book, a blue label title aimed at children aged 5 and 6, is no longer in print.
“The title in question – The Blue Eye – was originally published in 2001 and amended in 2012. The last sentence of text on the page in question was changed to read: ‘It would be easy to lose each other in such a crowded place,'” it said.
“The book was then taken out of print completely in March this year, following an independent review, and is no longer available to purchase.
“OUP destroyed its own remaining stock of the book, although a small number of copies may still remain in the supply chain. Some older titles may still be available in libraries, or as second-hand copies.
The Canadian educational organisation, Anti Bias Curriculum Project, expressed dismay at the book’s publication.
“Racism is taught and this is a clear example of how not only do parents have a responsibility to prevent their children from being racist, but educators too,” it said.
“Disgusting how this was even allowed to be published or even put on to children’s bookshelves.”
