A Newfoundland and Labrador business won't sell a children's book by a St. John's author because it has an anti-sealing message.

Littleseal by Morgan Pumphrey tells the story of a harp seal and its first few weeks of life.

The president of Downhome Inc., Grant Young, has no qualms about the decision not to sell Littleseal  through the company's website or St. John's store.

"We're pro-sealing and this is an anti-sealing book. Maybe some people could call it censorship, but we call it standing by our beliefs," he said.

"The book humanized seals and demonized sealers, and that's not in our interests as a company."

Downhome sells Newfoundland and Labrador products and crafts, including books from local authors.

Pumphrey said she'll try to sell her book on the mainland, starting with anti-sealing protest groups.

"I know an awful lot of people up there are against the seal hunt," she said.

Pumphrey said she wants to use profits from the book to work with the International Fund for Animal Welfare to encourage eco-tourism.