Children's books can act like mirrors and windows. Mirrors in that they can reflect on children's own lives and windows as they give them a chance to learn about someone's life. This helps to reduce stereotypes and reduces fear of the "other" if they get to meet them and learn about them from an early age.
Everyone deserves to see themselves and their language in books.
Afternoons with Richelle Hunt of ABC radio Melbourne have occasionally had the African flavour of Losika Writes as I discuss all things diversity, motherhood, bilingual childrens books etc.
We ventured out into the Melbourne market scene and had our first one during the Victorian Cultural Diversity week 16-24 March 2019. We had a splendid time and cannot wait to venture to more Melbourne markets as we grow.
Growing up as a person of colour in Australia has inherent challenges. As we celebrate Harmony day, I reflect on one of the challenges parents of African- Australian children might experience.
Open the door, it may lead you to someplace you never expected.... As a medical mum 👩🏽⚕️ who has a vision to have all kids living in the diaspora proudly fluent in their native tongues, I have had to knock on a few 🚪s to share my dream and try to make it reality. Sure, some haven't opened YET, I am still patiently waiting 😉, excuse the medical pun 😜😊. Some doors have been opened only to be closed shut in my face 😩because- who cares for those languages? Err me 😉- there is no market for those books as those people don't read kids books in...