Whether children's picture books serve as mirrors, windows, doors, wardrobes--they are all are powerful portals that transport children to special places, both internal and external, where they can explore familiar terrains, experience new adventures, and discover unknown treasures. These powerful portals help build students’ self-esteem and cultivate empathy, respect, and cultural and global awareness.

1. Picture Books as
Powerful Portals
Sharing and Exploring Diverse Experiences
in Children’s Picture Books
Julie M. Esanu
Lower School Librarian
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
November 28, 2016

2. Essential Questions
● How do picture books serve as portals for children?
● How has diversity changed the landscape of children’s
literature, specifically picture books?
● Why does diversity in picture books matter?
● How can teachers and librarians provide access to diverse
books to help students form personal taxonomies in order to
leverage the “transformative power of inclusion”?

3. Source: http://www.slj.com/2014/05/diversity/culturally-diverse-books-selected-by-sljs-review-editors/
Mirrors & Windows

4. And Sliding Glass Doors
Source: https://www.psdschools.org/webfm/8559

5. Source: https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Witch-Wardrobe-Widescreen/dp/B000E8M0VA
Powerful Portals

6. Evolution of Picture Books: 1657-1900s

7. Evolution of Picture Books: 1920s - 1960s

8. Introducing Diversity: Inappropriate Cultural
Stereotypes

9. Changing Landscape: Meet Peter
Source: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/section/about-ezra/

10. Changing Landscape

11. Changing Landscape

12. Changing Landscape

13. Diversity in Children’s Books

14. Diversity in Children’s Books

15. Why Does It Matter?

16. Why Does It Matter?

17. Opening Classroom Portals
Diversify mentor texts when teaching reading
comprehension strategies:
● Making connections
● Making predictions
● Visualizing
● Inferring
● Drawing conclusions

18. Opening Classroom Portals
Diversify mentor texts when teaching mindsets
for learning
● Flexibility
● Optimism
● Resilience
● Persistence
● Empathy

19. Opening Classroom Portals
Diversify read-alouds and content curricula
● Families
● Community helpers
● Folk-tales, fairy tales, and fables
● Ancient civilizations
● American history

20. Portals Provide Opportunities
● How is the child in the book different from you? What is the
same?
● How are your days different or the same?
● What would you like to do with that child if you could meet
her?
● What would you show that person if he came to your school?
Source: Karen Leggett Abouraya, http://penciltipswritingworkshop.blogspot.com/

21. Portal, Obstacle or Detour?

22. Detours to Discussion
● What surprised you in the story? Why?
● What are some things in this story that is different than your life or your
family? What are some things that are similar?
● How do you think someone who is this race/culture would feel if they read
this story?
● Compare it to another story you have read about this race/culture. In
what ways are they similar? And different? Why is that?
● What are you now feeling about this culture or group of people?
Source: https://teachitivity.wordpress.com/2016/11/22/having-diverse-books-isnt-enough/

23. Source: https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Witch-Wardrobe-Widescreen/dp/B000E8M0VA
Powerful Portals