Little Black Sambo was again popular by the mid-1990s. Its recent popularity is a result of many factors, including a white backlash against perceived political correctness. This is evident in internet discussions. There is agreement that Bannerman's book is entertaining. However, there is little agreement regarding whether it is racist.
Blacks find the book's title and the illustrations offensive.
In 1996 two readaptions of Little Black Sambo were published. The Story of Little Babaji , by Fred Marcellino, set the story in India, not Africa. Also, the characters' names were changed to Babaji, Mamaji, and Papaji. It used the Bannerman text but Marcellino drew non-caricatured illustrations. The book is uncontroversial.