Author Tips for Embracing Diversity in Picture Books

 One of the great challenges for picture book authors, illustrators and publishers in today's diverse society is to understand how to cater for the needs of all readers within traditional publishing structures. The imperative for modern authors has been the need to acknowledge and build on the language and cultural diversity of modern readers. Through understanding of the differences between the books that are currently available and what is required to give children the best chance to succeed in become life long readers, particularly for children from families where English is not the first language, we can better bridge the gap between traditional and modern literacy.

Difficulties and inequalities emerge when publishers are unaware of the needs of diverse children, when it todays market it is easier to publish a book that they know will definitely sell well compared to taking a chance on a book with a potentially smaller demographic in some cases with a smaller disposable income. Everything comes down to money, from the publishers trying to stay financially viable to the bookstores wanting to make enough money to cover the rent. I would like to challenge the misconception that diverse books don't sell.


Using various types of stories in a practical and purposeful manner provides children of all demographics with opportunities for developing their understanding of different people, places and situations and they would become empowered by knowing about things they would otherwise have never encountered in their own society. Parents and teachers are open to sharing new experiences with children. Children are learning from a young age that they are already part of a global family.


Much of this knowledge is already available on the internet but not in an age appropriate or learning format. It is an opportunity to harness an interest in learning  via social media and redirecting it into an authentic literacy experience. Children will find their own reflection in diverse stories and make individual interpretations to find meaning, with everyone having an equal opportunity to become book lovers.

Whose world view is your child being exposed to?
Whose voice isn't being heard?
We need diverse books.

Talk soon
x Michelle

www.michelleworthington.com

www.michelleworthington.com