I continue to be encouraged by the books being published by BIPOC authors and illustrators and more books centring BIPOC characters. Make no mistake – there need to be more.
Before our days moved pandemically, Bernadette Arthur at A Shared Table asked me to compile a list of picture books by BIPOC authors/illustrators and others that centre BIPOC characters. The family event she was gearing up for was around the theme of raising socially conscious kids. I’m making these resources available in hopes they might be helpful. Please let me know if you find that to be the case. I know I have growth edges and I’m happy to receive constructive criticism on both documents.
Related: In our pandemic times, Bernadette’s currently working with En Conjunto to provide a series of Digital Dine-Ins. I heartily recommend these! The one I attended last night was about raising children to be aware and active changemakers and picture books came up a few times. No surprise, the Digital Dine-In Sue Littleton and I are co-hosting in June is about children’s books.
Some of my favourite books have words en Español! I love the art, text, and messages of all of these books and I am so thankful more books in Spanish and other languages are being made more widely available!
May 5th is Canada’s National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and the Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls National Day of Action in the US.
How can we help?
When we don’t know how to start helping someone, listening to their stories is a very good place to start. In this video, I talk about my favourite books written and illustrated by, with, or about Indigenous Women and Girls.
Resources
I recognize talking about MMIWG2S with kids is not easy. Here are some resources for learning, art projects, books, and tips for getting started. Please note that these resources are for caregivers and educators, as the content may not be appropriate for all ages.
The REDress Project, created by Jaime Black, is an aesthetic response to violence against Indigenous women.
Red Dress Window Art file: this PDF includes the pattern I followed for the red dress I show in the video, links for adult learning, and tips for how to talk to younger kids about MMIWG.
If you have tried to do a live group sing with kids over Zoom, you know this particular brand of face-palming dread:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands [pause…buffer…pause…] CLAP SMATTER
So, it’s not easy, but even under a stay-home order, I am deeply encouraged by the myriad ways we have found to share stories! Authors, illustrators, actors, musicians, educators, parents – we’ve all taken to the internet to bring our favourites and new creations to life. Josh Gad continues to slay stories on Twitter. Monique Gray Smith, Oliver Jeffers, Mo Willems, and Mac Barnett are thoroughly delightful, and Julie Andrews’ story podcast starts Wednesday! Please check out Resources for School Closures for lots of stories, visual/performing arts options, and other educational resources.
Here at Lightbulb Heart, I’m working on a three story-related projects:
Hangouts
I’m doing live online storytimes twice daily, with songs and stories tailored to that kid’s/kids’ interests.
If you are interested in the as-close-as-we-can-get-right-now storytime experience, let me know! (Please include day/time availability and what chat platform you prefer.) My personal children’s book collection is available online if you have requests. If you are in a position to do so, I’m requesting donations be made to your local food bank or relief organization of your choice.
⭐ One of my storytime kiddos gave me a dinosaur audience this week! ⭐
Picture courtesy of Tami Clark
2. Virtual Storytime: Songs and Stories with Lightbulb Heart
I’m posting a public domain book chapter, poem, story, or song to Lightbulb Heart on YouTube every weekday. I’ll conclude Alice in Wonderland (one chapter left!) and start reading the Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter and My Father’s Dragon next week! The channel has been a lot of fun and is giving a little shape to my days. It’s Tuesday, right?
3. A Shared Table – Creative Lab for Storytelling
I believe deeply in the community Bernadette Arthur is breathing into existence at A Shared Table. The Creative Lab for Storytelling is just one or her amazing ventures. The process is different than we had originally envisioned since we’ve had to pivot to all-online sessions for now, but our time together has been so rich and beautiful. I am very grateful for our weekly gatherings and look forward to being in physical space where other folks can join us in sharing stories.
A Shared Table has also partnered with En Conjunto for a series of Digital Dine-Ins – so many cool people gathering weekly to share a meal together (virtually) and talk about awesome things. Sue Littleton and I will be co-hosting one about children’s books on June 10th!
I miss Locke Street Farmer’s Market. And Epic Books. And Donut Monster.
Until we find ourselves back in these glorious spaces, let us continue to cultivate creative ways to share stories and be in community together.
Stay Home. Wash Hands. Be Kind. Share Stories. Love, Amber