![Diversity in Children’s Picture Books [Infographic]](https://storyquestbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/A-Small-Rain-by-Jessie-Orton-Jones-Caldecott-Medal-1944-880x360.jpg)
Ten Groundbreaking Books: 1920 – 1969
The debate about lack of diversity in children’s literature sparked my interest in a very personal way. Confessions of a white author – well, not really – anyone can see I’m not a person of color. Okay, that’s out of the way. So, why am I responding curiously to the diversity dearth facts? Because maybe, just maybe, the facts hit a raw nerve. Behind the data are stories of authors and illustrators whose picture books broke new ground for depicting children and families of color when the mainstream/buying public had little interest in multicultural content. And I have to ask . . . have things really changed since the early 1900s?
Until recently, I felt completely grounded as a children’s picture book author/illustrator. It’s completely natural for me to feature my multicultural family in stories. I live diversity with them, not through them. I don’t feel less authentic for being a different color. On the contrary. I’ve grown more bold in my position as defender of diversity in children’s literature. Recent feedback from a top reviewer for my new book, I Want Cake! made me wonder what took so long. The kids’ ethnicities are plain to see, but the reviewer didn’t see. The multigenerational theme of the book is plain to see. But the reviewer didn’t see. High praises for the illustrations. Those were seen.
This led me to creating an infographic, “Diversity in Children’s Picture Books — 10 Groundbreaking Books: 1920 – 1969.” I retreated into the facts, but the stories illuminated the timeline. The 17 year-old Native American illustrator of Taytay’s Tales, 1922, touched my heart. Elizabeth Orton Jones, illustrator of Prayer for a Child, 1945 Caldecott Winner, took a huge chance by including children of color in her illustrations. These courageous, bold storytellers and picture book makers made history. Take a look. Join the discussion.
THanks for this post. I appreciated the timeline with its historical perspective and recognition for bold, groundbreaking storytellers. I’m not as concerned about how complete it is; I suspect there are some influential works not here in this list. But it’s a celebration of 10 books … and a celebration of how valuable books can be to help us see with new eyes.
I’d like to mention a great picturebook, little known but worthy:
http://www.crickhollowbooks.com/didnt-we-have-fun
“Robinson, an artist, shares with today’s readers what life was like growing up in a closely knit African American community during the 1950s. Each one- or two-page vignette tells something about her family, friends, or the way she spent her time. . . . Creating with oil pastels, Robinson draws viewers in, whether the picture is of a girl in a white party dress sitting on a kitchen chair, or a group of girls playing hopscotch. This is a lovely offering. . . .
— ALA Booklist Online, Ilene Cooper (1/31/13)
Philip, thank you for presenting this beautiful book. I have not seen it before and am wondering why. I followed the link to Amazon and see it earned FINALIST! Foreword Magazine 2013 Book of the Year (Picture Book) and
2013 Honor Award, Skipping Stones magazine. I also see it has 5 star reviews, but only 8 reviews total. Ahhh – now I see the connection to the publisher. As as small independent press (2 books), I fully understand the challenges of marketing and promotion. Never simple. Always a huge investment of one sort or another. Even most big publishing houses generally expect authors to market their own books. A huge topic for another time. For now, I’m going to get myself a copy of “Didn’t We Have Fun!” Can’t wait!
Jo Ann