Synopsis
Based on the research that race, gender, disability, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and compelling imagery to introduce the concept of disability. This book celebrates all bodies and abilities, just as they are, and addresses the inequities and opportunities for change in today's world.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about tough issues from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the back matter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison is a political educator and a lifelong student of radical Black feminism. She earned her PhD in social policy from Brandeis University. As a scholar-activist, her approach to research and practice is guided by the Sociopolitical Ecology of Development, a theoretical framework that she developed as a part of her dissertation. Megan has served on the boards of the National Association for the Education for Young Children and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice. With Jessica Ralli, she coauthors First Conversations—an award-winning series of anti-bias books for young children and their grown-ups.
Jessica Ralli is the early literacy programs coordinator at Brooklyn Public Library, where she develops and manages grant-funded programming including Books Unbanned Storytimes. She has an MA in early childhood special education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has taught in museums, schools, and libraries. Jessica is a contributor to School Library Journal, and in 2020, she received the Library Journal Movers and Shakers Award for her advocacy work in libraries. Jessica is currently coauthoring the award-winning First Conversations series with Megan Madison, published by RISE x Penguin Workshop.
Jonathan Eden is an Autistic writer and illustrator who loves to create imaginative, diverse worlds. He believes every story has the power to inspire change and encourage children to celebrate themselves!
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