Stories, like mirrors, should help children reflect on what they see and know about their world. Also, reading or listening to a story about someone like themselves is powerful. Books also let them visualize and understand different lives.
When choosing stories, a teacher or parent should choose ones with images of various identities and the world we truly live in.
Seeing themselves in a book is an empowering experience for children When they meet a protagonist who shares a similar culture with whom they can relate, it is uplifting. Likewise, connecting with a boy, girl, or grown-up created in an author’s mind who has the same challenges as real-life kids can be fascinating. These mirrors help them see themselves in the storybook world and help them build connections and a sense of belonging.
In my delightful, re-edited delightful picture book, we meet a young boy with a physical disability who feels pressured into being like his peers. I can certainly relate to this and the outcome.
“The Radiant Rainbow Cap” is available on Amazon.
