Overview

• The French Education Ministry canceled an order for a modern illustrated version of 'Beauty and the Beast,' citing inappropriate themes for children aged 10-11.
• Illustrator Jul criticized the decision as politically motivated censorship, referencing sensitivities around cultural representation and far-right ideologies.
• The book, featuring Belle as a Mediterranean girl and addressing themes like social media, alcohol, and police inspections, was deemed suitable only for guided educational settings.
• The publisher, Grand Palais-RMN Editions, expressed shock at the cancellation and announced plans to release the book independently.
• Education Minister Elisabeth Borne clarified that no public funds were spent on the canceled order, as the books had not yet been printed.