First Conversations 1: Race / Gender / Consent

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, 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.

This boxed set of three First Conversations books is perfect for families and teachers looking for topic-driven books that offer clear, concrete language and compelling imagery to introduce the concepts of race, gender, and consent.

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 and self-esteem, allowing them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. These titles offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the back matter in each book offers additional resources and ideas for extending discussions.

Includes three hardcover picture books:

• Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
• Being You: A First Conversation About Gender
• Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent

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 of Young Children and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice.  

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.

Isabel Roxas is an author/illustrator, micro-publisher, ceramicist, and avid reader. She was born in Manila, Philippines, and now works in the backroom of an art gallery in Manhattan. 

Anne/Andy Passchier is a non-binary illustrator from the Netherlands, currently based in the United States. They have illustrated several children's books and also create online comics.