What is your favorite children’s book? Is it The Very Hungry Caterpillar? How about Goodnight Moon? We probably read some of these picture books more than a hundred times. Reading Goodnight Moon became a ritual for my son during his bedtime routine. The day did not come to an end until we said “good night” to the book!
Children’s books always occupy a special place in our memories. They provide the first opportunities for us to use our imaginations. Did the cow really jump over the moon? Will I turn into a butterfly too if I keep eating like the caterpillar? All those colorful illustrations in the books stick in our minds for many years to come.
As a parent, I tend to pick the classic titles for my child. Isn’t it the case that every child born in America must read Dr. Seuss’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish? I totally forgot that reading children’s books can also provide us a chance to open the children’s eyes to a different world. Why can’t we read other children’s books, especially those written in another country, or culture?
A wise man once said, “All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.” (This is actually the title of a book written by Robert Fulghum!) If what he said is right, that means children’s books are more important than ever. Children’s books help instill character traits in our kids and build a value system in a young mind that will shape who they are.
Today, we emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). How many of us take a look at the children’s literature and examine if such value exists in those readings? Children’s books are powerful tools that expose children to culture, customs, and history that they may not easily have access to. Next time, when you pick a book for a child, consider reading a book that is written in another country or language. DEI is not a slogan. Its existence should not rely on law and regulations. Instead, it prompts an inclusive learning environment that allows children to establish a worldview that can respond to a diverse range of cultural differences. Children’s books are an incredible way to reflect diversity in our world!
On April 2, 2021, the birthday of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, we will launch the International Youth Literature Collection (IYLC) housed in Alexander Library. You can register and attend the virtual event. The IYLC collection was acquired from publishers and at the International Bologna Book Fair, among other sources. In addition, a research guide (https://libguides.rutgers.edu/iylc) has been created to highlight the collection. It has an interesting section known as “silent books” which are picture books that have no words. This way refugee children, for instance, can have stories without the need to learn a new language.
Today, let us change our mindset and challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. Find a book that is in the scope of global children’s literature. Make diversity our second nature!
Mei Ling Lo is the Science Research Librarian in New Brunswick Libraries. When she is not working, she likes watching the reruns of The Big Bang Theory and reading short stories.