One of my writer bucket list items was to write something that obtained an imprimatur. Many Catholic books have them, and in fact, they are a requirement for certain types of books.

So what is an imprimatur, and why do they matter?

What is an imprimatur?

The word “imprimatur” is Latin for “it shall be printed.” It’s an official declaration from the Church that a book may be printed. Imprimaturs are required by Canon law for Catholic books that touch on the subjects of theology and morality. In order for a bishop to grant a book an imprimatur, the book must be free from moral and doctrinal error. ⁠

Before an imprimatur is granted, a manuscript goes through a rigorous process of inspection by a censor, someone trained in theology, doctrine, and morality. Once the censor decides that the book does not contain anything that could “harm faith or correct morals” (Code of Canon Law), he or she gives the book a nihil obstat. In Latin, this simply means, “nothing stands in the way.” In other words, there’s nothing to keep this book from being printed.

Once the nihil obstat is granted, the bishop will approve the imprimatur.
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As a Catholic parent, I love that the use of imprimaturs has spread more widely into children’s books. It’s a sort of pre-vetting for me- I don’t have to be as on guard if I choose a book with an imprimatur for my kids. ⁠

Does this mean I only buy my kids books that have imprimaturs?

Christology board book — This fantastic board book from OSV has an imprimatur and is a favorite in our house.

No. Not every publisher is currently actively seeking imprimaturs for their children’s books (though dang, I wish they would), and there are authors I trust whose books don’t have them. Also, not every children’s book falls into the category of needing one. But I am much, much more likely to make a purchase if I see one inside a book’s front cover.

And likewise, if a children’s book does not have one and it is 1.) on a topic that I know requires one and 2.) from a new-to-me author, I am less likely to make that purchase.

Does this mean I like and agree with every book that has one?

Again, nope. An imprimatur isn’t an endorsement, and it doesn’t mean that every reader will agree with any opinions expressed in the book. For example, I might claim that St. Teresa of Avila is the best saint of all time, and you might disagree with that vehemently and think that it’s really St. Catherine of Siena who is best. But! The claim doesn’t contain any theological errors. And that’s huge as I’m trying to teach my kids about the faith. ⁠

Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children — I’m a little biased, but I think the content and illustrations for this book are top notch!

So when I look at a book, I look at the content and whether it’s appropriate for my kids, the illustrations, and also whether it has an imprimatur.

How do I find out if a book has an imprimatur?

Simply check on the page where the copyright information is. Or, in the case of a board book, you’ll want to look at the back cover. ⁠(And yes- some board books have them! OSV has a Teeny Tiny Theology series that I LOVE and each book has an imprimatur).