The call for the publication and use of diverse books for children is gaining momentum worldwide. Dr Helen Adam (Edith Cowan University) and Dr Sally Murphy (Curtin University) studied award-winning Australian picture books in 2019 and 2020. In this seminar they present findings and argue that we have a long way to go before we realise the importance and potential of diverse books to build a more socially just future for all children.

While there appears to be a gradual increase in representation of diverse cultures, the representation of diverse abilities, genders, and family structures is strikingly absent. These findings have important social justice implications which should be considered by the publishing industry, educators, policy makers, early childhood organisations, and those who provide higher education and training for early childhood educators.

Join us for our first seminar for 2024.