We Care: A First Conversation About Justice

First Conversations

by Megan Madison, Sharee Miller (Illustrator), Jessica Ralli

Based on the research that race, gender, justice, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and compelling imagery to introduce the concept of justice. This book aims to ground the idea of justice within the responsibilities and benefits of being part of a healthy community.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about tough issues from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Parenting, Social Justice

38 pages, Board Book

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Megan Pamela Ruth Madison (she, her) is an early childhood educator, scholar, and activist based in New York City. She began her career working as an assistant in a Waldorf elementary school. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, Megan then went on to become a teacher in a Head Start preschool classroom. Now, as a doctoral candidate at Brandeis University, she works part-time facilitating workshops for teachers and families on race, gender and sexuality. Megan is currently working on a board book series with co-author Jessica Ralli for Rise x Penguin Workshop on race, gender, consent and body positivity. Megan recently completed a term on the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (or NAEYC) after several years serving as a co-facilitator of the association's Diversity & Equity Interest Forum. In that role, she worked to organize early childhood professionals around the country who are passionate about social justice. She is proud to hold a master’s degree in early childhood education from Dominican University. Megan lives in Harlem (unceded land of the Lenape people), where she loves reading, eating ice cream, and building community with Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (or JFREJ).

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While conversations about hard topics may not be easy, they will surely be less challenging with practice and if those issues are broached early on. Even the youngest children can understand the concepts of community and justice, if those terms are simplified and made relatable. This picture book offers tips for how to begin these important conversations. Starting with the term "community," the book then covers related terms such as responsibility, justice, and problem-solving, suggesting some positive ways that problems can be tackled while acknowledging that sometimes conversations about the same issues need to be ongoing since first attempts aren't always successful. The colorful illustrations and back matter offer additional insight for teachers and caregivers about problems such as homelessness, suggesting what they call short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions. There is also a brief discussion of restorative and transformative justice. While much of this is encouraging, it's hard not to wonder how it all works in large, broken systems such as ours or wince at the t-shirt slogan saying, "CARE NOT COPS." Is it really possible or even safe to tell ourselves that we can survive without some law enforcement? Still, despite some of my qualms, this book offers some hope in trying other ways than simply punishing folks for situations over which they may have little control.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice addition to the series.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waaaay too text heavy for a board book. Meant for a much older audience than the format would suggest.

[Taylor Kundel-Gower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to a great series! This is one of my favorites from the series so far!

[Seras23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to social justice for young children.

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well composed and presented.