Calgary's Catholic school board has pulled all copies of a children's fantasy series off library shelves until it finishes a review of the controversial books.

"As a precaution, we've removed it from the shelves … out of respect for the people who have expressed concern," said Judy MacKay, the superintendent of instructional services for the Calgary Catholic School District, after six people called the board.

The Golden Compass trilogy has been pulled from Calgary Catholic schools pending a review of the books.
(Yearling)

Officials said no one can remember receiving any complaints about Philip Pullman's three books in The Golden Compass series in the 10 years they've been available in Calgary Catholic school libraries.

But recent publicity surrounding a movie version of The Golden Compass, starring Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, has drawn concern from parents.

The trilogy, written by a self-described atheist, portrays a world where organized religion is an oppressive and violent influence. Some people believe it is anti-Catholic and anti-religion; others say it is merely anti-establishment.

A committee of educators and religious experts will spend the next few weeks reviewing the books. Until then, the novels will not be available to students in Calgary's Catholic schools.

'It's simply a process where we take very seriously concerns about instructional resources and so this is not in any way a reflection of a ban.'—Judy MacKay, Calgary Catholic School District

"I believe that it's inaccurate to suggest that the board has banned the book," said MacKay.

"It's simply a process where we take very seriously concerns about instructional resources and so this is not in any way a reflection of a ban."

She added it's unlikely and would be unusual for the books to be banned.

MacKay said there's nothing wrong with books that question religious faith or the place of religion in society, but that it's important those views be presented to students in a responsible and fair manner.

In the United States, the Catholic League has urged a boycott of the movie, which opens Friday. The Halton Catholic school board in Ontario removed the children's books from its library shelves in November.