The importance of diversity in children's books (revisited)

From Only You Can Be You! by Nathan and Sally Clarkson, ill. by Tim Warnes (Tommy Nelson 2019) | © Tim Warnes 2019

“Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It’s a key to growth.”

— Jesse Jackson

Diversity and inclusion (or lack thereof) are hot topics in children’s publishing. 

They were back in March 2019 (when I wrote the article that I have based this piece on). They seem even more pressing today. And thanks to the visual nature of picture books, the lack of diversity is glaringly apparent. It is out there for all to see (rather than hidden away under statistics). 

And after a run of projects featuring human characters (Only You Can Be You!, It’s Bedtime, Charlie! and I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug!) - this question of diversity is still at the forefront of my mind. 

 Diversity in Picture books matters because: 

Seeing themselves reflected adds to children’s sense of identity

Information absorbed in the early years informs children’s subconscious - and future social preferences.

A lack of exposure to racially diverse books can negatively influence racial bias in children as young as babies. 

Conversely, exposing and familiarising young children - even babies - to racially diverse experiences provide an opportunity for positive, societal change. 

“The stories that children read at a young age tell them who matters and who doesn’t matter, explains Philip Nel, professor of English at Kansas State University - “who’s human and who isn’t human. A story doesn’t have to tell us that explicitly,” he adds. “It can tell us that by failing to represent certain groups of people -- omission tells us that these groups of people are not important”. [1]

 

From I’m Going To Give You A Bear Hug! By Caroline B Cooney, ill by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz 2016) | © Tim Warnes 2016

Books from the first 20 odd years of my illustration career, don’t feature human characters (aside from a run of Santa books). This was mostly through choice, as I lacked both skill and confidence. Then in 2016, I was commissioned to illustrate I’m Going to give you a Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney (Zonderkidz).

I felt trepidation - not only at my own limitations but also because of the debate around diversity in children’s books. What colour should the main character - a little boy - be? I worried about being accused of tokenism if I illustrated a black kid - and I found it hard to imagine him as anyone other than my youngest, Levi - complete with his mop of tousled blonde hair.

 

Did I do anything wrong? I don’t think so.

(Interestingly, a dark-haired mother once wrote to say how much she appreciated seeing herself - with her blonde-haired son - reflected in the book.)

But still, it niggled at me.

As the saying goes, Writers should write what they know. But if most picture book creators come from the White majority (which they do) - then we risk being stuck with the status quo: Picture books dominated by White characters (which they are). I recognise that I come from a privileged background. I have a responsibility to make sure that children of all colours get the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the books they read. 

 I live in an ‘ethnically challenged’ environment - rural Dorset, England. So sticking with what I know best is not only a cop-out, but also unfair on the global audience I seek to serve.

Hmmm.

You know what would be better? Picture books produced by creators from more diverse backgrounds.

 

From It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | © 2020 by Tim Warnes

 

Ever heard this argument: What’s to stop ethnic people writing their own books? 

On a small scale, it does happen, of course. But unfortunately, circumstance and a lack of opportunity work against ethnic minorities - in this industry, as in many others. Even when mainstream publishing houses take on black authors, they face inequality in terms of their advances. 

So it’s heartening that non-profits like We Need Diverse Books offer mentorships to aspiring creators of kids’ books from minority backgrounds, which will help contribute to a positive change - and, ultimately, a more diverse range of picture books for us all to enjoy.

Hot on the heels of Bear Hug! came Only You Can Be You - What Makes You Different Makes You Great! The former features African Americans; the latter, all kinds of kids - with different skin colours, interests and personalities (for example, artistic, athletic, sensitive and rambunctious kids). This project stretched me in many ways - and I am so pleased with the final book! I hope it will become regarded as an excellent example of an inclusive picture book.

 

From It’s Bedtime, Charlie! by Tim Warnes (DMind 2020) | © 2020 by Tim Warnes

 

I had further opportunity to be more inclusive when working on It’s Bedtime, Charlie! and I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! - both of which will help create more diverse bookshelves.

 

From I’m Going To Give You A Polar Bear Hug! By Caroline B Cooney, ill by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz) | © Tim Warnes 2020

 

Now it’s over to you - parents and carers, teachers and librarians. We each have a part to play in forming a better, more just future - and you have a responsibility to consider the books that you share - and the values that you present - carefully.

And the best part is, your kids won’t even know it’s happening. It will work as if by magic!

  Buy the books 

‘Colorfully and creatively illustrated’

‘As the mom of three (two of which are special needs) makes me love this message even more.’

‘be inspired by the diversity of children and animals throughout the book’

‘The message … is so needed in this divided world.’

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’Love this book! The simple rhyming text is fun to read and the illustrations are fantastic.’

‘One of the best books we've purchased in a long time. My daughter wants me to read it again and again and again!’

‘Adorable book…’

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‘The book is full of imaginative ways to give and receive hugs. A thread of kindness and joy shows up in each scenario stitching the theme together perfectly.’ - Good Reads

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 It’s Bedtime, Charlie! is scheduled for release in December 2020 Good to Read

Other Inclusive Picture Books that I Love

The New Small Person by Lauren Child (Puffin 2014)

So Much by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books 1994)

Leon and Bob by Simon James (Walker Books 2008)

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Viking 1962)

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (Walker Books 2018)

Yumi by Annelore Parot (Chronicle Books 2012) 

Sources Picture This: Mahogany L. Browne on the Need for More Diversity in Picture Books (bookish.com) Can diversity in children’s books tackle prejudice ? (Katie scott, cnn, october 23, 2018)[1] Was the Cat in the Hat Black?: The Hidden Racism of Children’s Literature, and the Need for Diverse Books by Philip Nell (2017)© 2019 and 2020 BY TIM WARNES (UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.