TIPS FOR CHOOSING CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS
Choose an engaging book & consider your readers
Consider if the language, images, and character development are compelling.
Is the genre (e.g. adventure, fantasy, non-fiction like something historical or a biography, etc) ENJOYABLE or INSPIRING?
Is the messaging in the storyline MEANINGFUL?
Does it speak to the reader?
Will the reader's levels of knowledge or experience be ENHANCED?
Creators' background, experience & expertise
Is it OWN-VOICE i.e., is the book inspired by the author's own experiences and written from their own perspective?
If it’s not an own-voice book, then is it WELL-RESEARCHED?
If the book explicitly explores human differences, were the members of the portrayed group involved or consulted in the creation of the book?
Potrayal
Beware of TOKENISM, i.e. when an illustrator tosses in characters from under-represented groups in an attempt to “appear” diverse. While we need representation everywhere, token characters are shallow or poorly thought-out and tend to have misrepresentation issues..
Watch for INVISIBILITY. Regularly seeing only “one” person of any identity teaches children about who matters and who is less important.
How the characters are REPRESENTED in books also matters, for instance, numerous books depict poverty associated with Black characters, which unintentionally sends the message that struggle alone defines the Black experience.
Critical Lens
Re-evaluate CLASSIC books or stories which can convey and reinforce outdated values. A much-loved or recommended book can have its own issues. Any of these books can offer the opportunity to analyse the story with children and help grow their CRITICAL THINKING skills.
Remember, stories with authentic representation can also stand on their own.
Scrutinise for BIASES and PREJUDICES among various identities in the story.
Be aware that STEREOTYPES and negative-value reinforcement might marginalise or disregard the experiences of some communities. Address the problematic issues reflected in these texts.
Expose young readers to EMPOWERING non-stereotypical imagery and text in order to help counter biased messaging.
Take action
Is it OWN-VOICE i.e., is the book inspired by the author's own experiences and written from their own perspective?
If it’s not an own-voice book, then is it WELL-RESEARCHED?
If the book explicitly explores human differences, were the members of the portrayed group involved or consulted in the creation of the book?
Potrayal
Support COUNTER-STORIES.
Select stories that name and acknowledge the effects of DISCRIMINATION and those whose lives are affected by it daily. Analyse the story in a language the children you share it with can understand.
Include texts that push back against deficit narratives of marginalised groups and CENTRE their knowledge and experiences.
Select stories where characters from underrepresented groups are EMPOWERED to create their own change as opposed to being saved or rescued by someone else.
RESEARCH by talking to librarians and booksellers about diverse picture books. READ helpful articles.
Sources:
Embrace Race: 8 tips for choosing “good” picture books featuring diverse, BIPOC characters by Dr. Krista Aronson, Anne Sibley O'Brien and Dr. Andrea Breau
Literacy Today: Disrupting Your Texts: Why Simply Including Diverse Voices Is Not Enough by Tricia Ebarvia
The Conscious Kid: Books To Help Build Inclusive Classrooms