This story have been around since 1936.  It is based on a passed down folk tale.  It has been banned for “racist, and stereotypical” depiction of Chinese people through the illustrations.  One thing to remember is that this is a product of 1936 where usually no more than 4 colors were used in printing.  Even if the illustrations were redone today, I think parents would still want this book banned.  The story is of 5 brothers who each go to be executed but survive.  Yep.  The townspeople try to cut off someone’s head, tries to burn someone alive, try to drown them, etc.  But that is not why this book was banned.  I loved everything about this.  It is such a classic, and unlike modern fairy tales has not been “cleaned” up for an audience.  It has been left in its original form, and I think that makes it that much more special.