Posts tagged diversity
The importance of diverse and inclusive picture books

A discussion on the value of diverse picture books and the importance for disabled children to see themselves represented, too. Featuring some self-reflection on my work, including Only You Can Be You! plus contributions from fellow creators Julie Flett and James Catchpole.

Read More
I am the Subway

Nurture curiosity and expand your child’s understanding of the world with I am the Subway – a lyrical story told by the train and its passengers. Translated from Korean in rhythmic and soothing prose, with stunning illustrations. A celebration of subways, Seoul and the uniqueness of the individual.

Read More
'The Day the Crayons Quit': Raising laughs – and important issues

The Day the Crayons Quit is well worth sharing because first and foremost it is funny! We could all do with a good laugh – and sharing a joke with your kids is something special. Dig a little deeper, though, and Crayons raises some thought provoking questions.

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

An update on the importance of diversity in picture books - and what I’ve been doing to help the cause.

Read More
Representation matters!

Have you ever wondered why so many picture books feature anthropomorphic animals? Why not just illustrate people? On the right to be represented - and the responsibility on illustrators to step up and start making the change so many are desperate to see.

Read More
Julián is a Mermaid

I drafted today’s article over a year ago. At the time, gender identity in children and young people was the hot topic. These are still important discussions to be had - but today, it feels way more relevant that Julián and his Abuela are Afro-Latin.

Read More
Why we need more books like ‘The Snowy Day’

Ezra Jack Keats’s was groundbreaking in the way he portrayed the everyday, mundane lives of his ethnically diverse characters. Nearly 60 years on, we still have a lot to learn. But the lesson is vital.

Read More
United we stand

A privileged, middle-class white storyteller reflects on Empathy Day 2020, the tragedy of George Floyd, and why we need more diverse books. Because enough is enough.

Read More
Only You Can Be You

This week saw the publication of Only You Can Be You. I’m super pleased with my art - and the message contained within the book: What makes you different makes you great!

Read More
Big Bear, Little Bear

I Love You to the Moon and Back (Little Tiger Press 2015) has been hugely successful for me. It has everything going for it - a big full moon on the cover, ‘I love you’ in the title, gently lilting rhyme - and a pair of cuddly bears! One big. One small. In this article, I reveal the secret to its success.

Read More
Rabbits and mice and bears (oh my!)

Looking at the lack of diversity in picture books from a different angle today - why the need for the same old animals all the time? What about the weasels?

Read More