As a child of the 60's, I really didn't see myself in many picture books.
I didn't see me reflected in Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty Magazines or
Golden Children's books. My parents would buy my sister and I these
wonderful books and magazines because it was important to be a kid,
but it often saddened and frustrated them that the books didn't reflect
the people in our home. One day, I went to school and a teacher named,
Mrs. Russell, put me on her lap and showed me a wonderful book by
Ezra Jack Keats. That book would change my life. "The Snowy Day".
Mr. Keats would be one of the first illustrators of children's books
that would have a chocolate boy center stage in his book.
Peter looked like me. He was beautiful. I never heard a word Mrs.
Russell read honestly. It was the pictures that told me the
story. It was Peter's cute little brown face against his cozy red
snowsuit. It was his mama who looked just like my mama! It had everything
to do with his daddy that looked like my daddy. Peter and I were
sister and brother in my head and the pictures that Ezra created proved it.
The Snowy Day is 50 years old and
I just turned 50 last year. It saddens me deeply that we still don't see
children of color in books as often as I would like.
Of the 3,500 pictures books created last year, only 95 represented people of
color. We live in a very multicultural world and it is my joy to be reflected
this in the books and product that I create. I would hope that others would begin
to feel the same.
Don't get me wrong, we have a few, but not
enough. I love Mr. Keats's reply to an editor. She asked," Why did you
make Peter black? Are you trying to make a statement or something?"
Mr. Keats answered, "I put Peter there simply because he should have
been there all along." I feel the same way. I believe that ALL children
should be represented in Children's book! They all need to see themselves
in everyday situation that encourage imagine, diversity , problem solving
and community. Every child deserves this.
#WENEEDDIVERSEBOOKS
10 comments:
Hey Vanessa! I just made the big 50 a few months ago. You are so right that we need more representation in children's books. I thought it was a lot more than what you quoted. Hopefully, the publishers will take notice, but we also need to support these books.
Amen, my friend.
What a beautiful and earnest post, dear Miss V. I agree. And in children's books, especially, there's potential for positive impact. Teach the children while they are young that there is value in loving and respecting everyone. To think that you are like Mr. Keats to another young child out there...sends waves of happiness through my soul! xoxoxoxo
Beautiful post, Vanessa. xx
Vee, what a thoughtful post and I understand how you feel about being able to identify with characters as a child. When we were growing up in the Philippines we had books written by local authors and comic books where the characters were Filipinos, so it was easy to identify with them. However, when we went to school, our medium of instructions was English and so we read a lot of books written in English. Sometimes it was difficult to identify with the characters especially if they were talking about snow. Anyhow, I remember still imagining how it would be like to be a kid playing in the snow. I am glad that with today's technology, resources and more authors, we are able to write more books where kids may be able to identify with the characters.
Well I'm a little older than 50 and I agree it has gotten a lot better but there is still room for improvement. Bless you my friend :-)
Yes and Yes!!! I know you are helping to change this by illustrating books too.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon your page. You're a brilliant illustrator. Your girl is so cute. Adore her pants. :)
Your talent is equal to your ability to articulate this, vee. Mr, Keats' answer is so spot on. As you know, it's not just about identification. When you don't see yourself and when others don't see you, you start to feel invisible. It's then a small step to 'less than'
You are a treasure and I hope you know it and own it. And damn if you didn't just make a literary decision for me!
Love
kj
I loved this! Plus it was great to be at NESCBWI this past weekend and be a part of this while it all went viral! Great share & big HUGS to you my dear friend. :)
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