However, the book's publishers are keen to highlight a number of positive reviews on their website.

"Outstanding, outstanding … every person should buy five copies of this book. Very well done... I believe long overdue," says James Towle, host of the American Trigger Sports Network.

"Loved it, I ordered a copy for our school’s library," raves John Roshek, founder of the Citizens League for Self-Defense.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the US is home to roughly 35-50% of the world's civilian-owned guns, despite having less than 5% of the world's population.

Nearly 10,000 American children are injured or killed by guns every year, a study published in the medical journal Pediatrics found earlier this year.

A survey by two New York City cardiologists in 2013 found that the US has 88 guns per 100 people and 10 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people — more than any of the other 27 developed countries they studied.

Organisations such as the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence have long opposed the policy of Open Carry, on the grounds that it encourages gun-related crime and is an invitation to chaos.

The US has been divided over the issue in recent years, with a number of major supermarkets such as Target adopting a no-guns policy. In June, the National Rifle Association issued a statement criticizing Open Carry Texas' campaign that read: "Using guns merely to draw attention to yourself in public not only defies common sense, it shows a lack of consideration and manners."

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Words: Anna Brech

Pro-gun picture book for kids promotes weapon ownership to junior audience