Banned Books Week Auction Enters Final Week

With the start of Banned Books Week [1] on Saturday, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression’s auction of original children’s book art will enter its final week on eBay [2].

After auctioning more than 50 pieces over the last two weeks, ABFFE will post another two dozen this Friday.  Featured works include Jez Alborough’s “Blissful Sid” (Giclee print on canvas), an Anna Dewdney watercolor from Nobunny’s Perfect, Susan Jeffer’s workup of the final page of My Pony (gouche on watercolor paper), and David Shannon’s drawing, “Dog and Book,” which was used in a flier that ABFFE created for booksellers [3] to help promote the auction.

“We’re delighted with the progress of the auction so far and hoping for a big finish,” said ABFFE President Chris Finan.

Proceeds from the auction will help fund ABFFE’s efforts to defend the free speech rights of young readers.

In addition to sponsoring Banned Books Week, ABFFE co-sponsors the Kids Right to Read Project [4] with the National Coalition Against Censorship. Since its founding in 2007, KRRP has opposed challenges to more than 250 books in 31 states.  Most challenges have been defeated.  The most recent KRRP report is available online.