I'm in an online class called The Heart of It: Creating Children's Books that Matter and one discussion that keeps coming up is if it's okay for writers/illustrators to create stories from the perspective of other cultures (for instance, a white person writing or illustrating the story of an African person). It's an interesting and tricky question. Honestly, although I had considered this with writing, I never thought that illustrators might have the same issue.
In one of our webinars, we got to hear from the wonderful author Zetta Elliot. She brought up how unfortunately in the publishing business, how it usually works is when you write about another culture, you are taking that opportunity and voice away from a writer/artist actually from that culture. Publishing companies will usually only publish one book from a certain culture in a year, maybe only one in a few years, because they feel there isn't enough room for more. It's unfortunate but the truth at this point in time.
I still think it's a struggle because of course we want to include diversity and bring awareness to other cultures and experiences, but we need to mindful of writers/artists who need their voice heard.
To go with this theme, I've chosen Caribbean Carnival: Songs of the West Indies, illustrated by Frané Lessac. I grew up with her books, and had always assumed she was Afro-Caribbean. However, she is actually a white woman who grew up in New Jersey and currently lives in Australia. She did live in Montserrat for a while, where many of her children's books are set. But does the fact that she is not a Caribbean native take away from the authenticity of her books? What about how she illustrates in a Naive style? I personally still think her books are beautiful, but I am a white American myself so I don't really know how Afro-Caribbeans would feel about an outsider telling their stories. Thoughts?
Beauty and the Beast retold by H. Chuku Lee, illustrated by Pat Cummings (Harper Collins, 2014)
This is a beautifully illustrated African version of the classic fairy tale.
A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Harry Bliss (Simon & Schuster, 2006).
This is a cute Halloween book told with speech bubbles like a comic. It's the simple story of a little witch who explains that witches are afraid of humans. On Halloween, she bumps into a human girl dressed as a witch. They become friends and the little brave witch takes the girl on a ride on her brookstick.
Looking online, I see that Weston Woods (now owned by Scholastic) made a video of it which I think works really well. You can see the trailer here.
For more Halloween books, see my Pinterest board here.
Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf (Schwartz & Wade, 2013).
This is a really fun book about a girl and her unusual pet, a squash named Bernice. The illustrations are so playful and quirky; they fit the tone of the story perfectly. Ultimately Sophie's pet doesn't last, but she plants her in the ground and come summer she has lots of baby squash for friends.
Random House has some activities to go along with the book here.
Tu Books (an imprint of Lee & Low) is having a writing contest. The New Vision Award is given for a
MG/YA manuscript in the science fiction, fantasy, or mystery genre by an
unpublished author of color. The winner receives a cash prize of $1000 and a publication
contract. An Honor Award winner will receive a cash prize of $500.
The deadline is October 31. This is a great opportunity, so submit and/or spread the word!
I Am Me by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott (Simon & Schuster, 2000).
This is a fun, colorful book that all kids can relate to. Everyone points out ways the main character resembles her family members, and while the girl says all of those are true, she is also most importantly her own unique self. I love the bright, flowing illustrations.
These are two great books by British author Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain. They are about children with two grandparents from very different cultures, one typically British, and one Trinidadian.
My Two Grannies (Frances Lincoln, 2008)
My Two Grandads (Frances Lincoln, 2011)
For more books about mixed race kids and multicultural families, see my Pinterest board here.
