Blind Author's Inclusive Children's Book About Penguins Got Banned — and Then TikTok Did Something Unexpected

• Paul Castle is a blind author and illustrator who wrote The Secret Ingredient, an inclusive children's book about penguins who learn the "secret ingredient" to a happy family.

• Castle, who triples as a content creator, shared on TikTok and Instagram that his book was banned from a bookstore during Pride Month and the 200 copies they ordered were sent back.

• The TikTok community rallied behind Castle and his book after the ban, and once again after it got review bombed on Amazon, in an unexpected and heartwarming turn of events.

This story about penguins will melt your heart.

Paul Castle, a blind author and illustrator who triples as a social media content creator, first shared online that his inclusive children's book revolving around the arctic animals was banned by a bookstore during Pride Month in June.

The publication, titled The Secret Ingredient, follows two penguins named Pringle and Finn on their journey to deliver birthday cakes to their "colorful animal friends," per the book synopsis, who along the way learn of the "secret ingredients" to a happy family. It was published in 2023.

Castle — who's known online for being transparent and open with his followers in all aspects of his life — uploaded an update on the book on TikTok on June 21 that left him "shocked, surprised and so heartbroken," he said. The post was titled, "The moment I found out my children's book was banned."

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In the video, the email — which was translated on a screen reader, a form of technology to assist those who are visually impaired use digital devices like phones or tablets — breaks the news that the bookstore no longer has plans to sell his publication, nor host the book signing event scheduled.

The email read: "It seems the person who placed the order for your books wasn't entirely up to speed on our policies and we have returned the boxes to you. Please see the tracking number below. While I think your book is very charming, it's just not something we can carry in our store at this time. I hope you understand. If you could process a refund once you receive the boxes, it would be greatly appreciated. We've taken care of the shipping cost. Be well, Tayna."

Castle then wiped tears from his eyes before grabbing the book to explain, noting that the bookstore ordered two boxes (which translates to 100 books in total). "I was really excited because that's just like an author's dream," he said of having the book in a bookstore.

Assuming the staff "knew" the plot, Castle summed it up again. "It's about these two male penguins who adopt a little baby... they deliver cakes to different birthday parties to different types of families," he explained. "Some with two [seagull] moms, some with two [sloth] dads," he said.

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Castle could "only think of one reason they didn't want to carry it," he said in the clip, noting that he originally thought the store was "going to order more books" when he got the email. Still, he encouraged his viewers to give his story a chance.

"I put my heart and soul and time and energy into it. I love it. I'm really proud of it," he said at the time, sharing that he's continuing to sell it himself despite the bookstore's dismissal.

The very next day, Castle's husband Matthew — who co-creates content with the author on Instagram and TikTok, boasting two million-plus followers across platforms — delivered an unexpected surprise. "Telling my husband his book went viral on TikTok," he titled the second clip.

"Guess what? You have sold out of your book," Matthew told Castle of The Secret Ingredient in the video. "This is not a prank. Hundreds of people are rallying behind you... 11 bookstores have written to ask if they can carry it," to which Castle — visibly emotional — said his "heart is racing."

He said in another clip, "I will cherish this memory for a very long time. Thank you."

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On June 25, Castle shared a video update, titled "The Book Ban Drama Continues." In the TikTok clip, he answered a few frequently asked questions he's been receiving about the whole situation since the start.

He even put up a definition of what book banning meant, describing it as "a form of censorship" that occurs when "private individuals, government officials or organizations remove books" from places like libraries and bookstores because "they object to their content, ideas or themes."

The definition he shared added that those advocating a ban "complain typically that the book in question contains graphic violence, expresses disrespect for parents and family, is sexually explicit, exalts evil, lacks literary merit, is unsuitable for a particular age group or includes offensive language."

"Other complaints have been that the book is written by or deals with sexual orientation or gay issues or bring up topics like slavery that might make individuals uncomfortable," the explanation concluded.

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Castle revealed that the person who initially arranged the event with him "no longer" works for the store, though no explanation was given. When he pressed Tanya further about why his books were sent back, he said her reason was because the "message did not align with the store."

While Castle admitted that Tanya's statement "hurt," he rest assured in knowing that she "has every right to make that decision" the same way he "has every right to create these stories." He then thanked his followers for being "nothing but loving and supportive" throughout.

He concluded, "Purchasing my books, spreading the news and encouraging your friends to support stories like these is what it's all about."

Five months later, Castle shared another update on his social media, revealing that his book is now being "review bombed" on Amazon. "Several one-star reviews have appeared under my book, The Secret Ingredient."

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In the clip, posted on Nov. 28, Castle noted that the reviews aren't critiquing the quality or illustrations, but rather "attacking the book for being inclusive." He said words like "vile," "indoctrination" and "overrepresentation" were being used by commenters.

"Simply because the book embraces diversity and kindness," he said. "Every child deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they read. Representation isn't harmful, it's healing. It creates empathy, it builds bridges."

"And the fact the some people see that as a threat shows why we need these stories now more than ever," Castle continued. "If you believe in the power of inclusive storytelling, then please consider supporting my book or any inclusive book that amplifies diverse voices."

Castle concluded by asking his viewers to leave an honest review if they've read it to "help drown out the hate." He said, "Together, we can show that love and inclusion are stronger than fear and ignorance. No amount of one-star reviews will ever change that."

On the heels of being review bombed, the couple posted an update the next day, sharing that the TikTok community has — once again — pulled together to support Castle. Matthew, who filmed Castle's reaction, revealed that his book received over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

"Everyone rallied," Matthew told him in the clip, to Castle's disbelief. "People showed up for you."

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