The French Ministry of Education has canceled an order for a contemporary illustrated edition of "Beauty and the Beast" meant for 10-year-olds, following concerns about its suitability.
As part of its yearly "A Book for the Holidays" initiative, the government requested a fresh version of the beloved fairy tale. This program ensures that 800,000 students get an updated edition of a classic piece of literature to enjoy during their summertime reading.
This year, the responsibility was handed over to cartoonist Jul, renowned for his animated television show "Silex and the City" and for taking up the role as the most recent author of the "Lucky Luke" comic series.
The book was prepared for its initial printing and featured an energetic foreword written by Education Minister Élisabeth Borne.
"In this edition tailored exclusively for you, you will uncover Jul's playful approach and keen insight, adding a contemporary twist to the story," she penned for the students.
Nevertheless, the ministry reversed its stance in a letter addressed to the author on Monday.
The completed book is unsuitable for independent reading at home, either alone or with family, particularly for children between the ages of 10 and 11 years old," the letter read, adding "it could lead to numerous queries from students that may not find appropriate responses.
The ministry particularly focused on references to social media and alcohol within the narrative. In Jul's interpretation of the 1796 story, the princess's father is depicted holding a bottle. Clearly intoxicated, he performs the well-known French song "Les Lacs du Connemara" by Michel Sardou.
"Jul possesses considerable talent. He effectively employs sarcasm and humor. However, I believe it would be inappropriate without proper direction," Borne commented on CNEWS regarding the suitability for 10-year-old children.
Jul denounced a “censorship” Based on "false pretenses." The actual concern, according to him, lies somewhere else entirely. In his rendition, Beauty possesses brown skin and black curls. Her ancestry traces back to Algeria, and the narrative delves into issues surrounding migration and assimilation.
The author stated, "The sole explanation appears to be the revulsion at witnessing a realm of princes and princesses who resemble the children attending schools nowadays somewhat closer."
"Is the 'major substitution' of blond princesses with young Mediterranean girls perhaps the boundary that the ministry's administration based in Versailles should avoid crossing?" he further questioned, alluding to the far-right conspiracy theory that has become more prevalent in France following the 2022 presidential election campaign.
It has become improbable for the 800,000 students to get their books this summer due to this belated development.
Introduced in 2017, the program "A book for the holidays" has historically offered students revised editions of La Fontaine’s "Fables," Homer’s "The Odyssey," and Jean Giono’s "The Man Who Planted Trees."
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