Inside the trend - inclusion and empathy in children's books
Children’s literature has been under the spotlight in recent times. And not always for the right reasons. High profile examples of famous children’s books of the past being rewritten for contemporary standards provide fuel for the media’s culture wars but overshadow a welcome shift in children’s publishing towards diversity and inclusion that has been well received by both retailers and readers.
We look at the trend in more detail and highlight some new and popular titles that will appeal to customers seeking out value-based children’s books.
What’s it all about?
The Black Lives Matter movement and greater tolerance and awareness of our LGBTQ communities has highlighted that representation in media and culture can make a positive difference. Children’s books are no exception. Storytelling has the power to shape attitudes and values, from an early age. It matters to children to be able to see and identify themselves in the books they read, while learning about other people's experiences can broaden their world view.
Why now?
Global events, such as the pandemic, the refugee crisis, or the war on Ukraine, are demanding greater tolerance and empathy for each other. Social media has provided a platform for campaigning and conversations around equal rights and unjust representation of marginalised groups. Children’s literature has an opportunity to lay the foundations for the attitudes of the future generation we would like to see, and publishers have been stepping up. In an increasing number of children’s books we are now seeing stronger female characters, different types of families, more people of colour and a strong emphasis on kindness, tolerance, and empathy.
How can I incorporate this into my range?
Books that highlight diversity aren’t just for a few, they’re for everyone. Anyone selling or specialising in children’s books will likely already be featuring this theme, but it’s always worth reviewing whether your book range is as diverse as it could be. Inclusive children’s books are a great fit for retailers who have an ethical focus too. And for visitor attractions and museums who attract families, making sure you have some children’s titles that represent the diversity of your visitors will almost certainly boost sales over the summer holiday season. The Little People, Big Dreams series of books is a great way to highlight diversity through powerful individual stories presented in an engaging format that looks fantastic.
Book suggestions
Everybody’s Equal
Follow-up titles to the bestseller Everybody’s Welcome, this pre-school story packages up an important message in a beautiful hardback with captivating illustrations, rhyming text, and an engaging story.
Julian is a mermaid
A charming picture book that celebrates individuality, self-expression and being accepted for who you are.
Little People, Big Dreams Mae Jemison
The popular Little People, Big Dreams series is great at bringing to life the stories of successful people, and Mae Jemison’s journey towards becoming the first black woman to travel into space will inspire young people everywhere.
Let’s Fill this World with Kindness
Just published, this book for older children shares real-life examples of kindness, from Harriet Tubman’s rescue mission to free enslaved African Americans to random acts between strangers.
Dreams for our Daughters
A pre-school picture book that uses poetry to highlight what it means to be raised as a girl in challenging times and all the opportunities the world has to offer.
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