This is one of my favorite spreads in IT'S GREAT BEING A DAD. You finally get the full reveal that all those magical creatures were kids playing a pretty epic game of pretend. It's also the first time you get to see the scope of diversity in the group.
From the first reading of the manuscript I knew I wanted the book to be a mirror and a window for children of many ethnicities. Knowing that the Dad would be on a featured character, I especially wanted him to reflect what I see as an underrepresented group in children's literature, South Asians.
I grew up in a very white suburb in Massachusetts. Deep down and early on, I think I knew it wasn't an accurate worldview. Do you know how? Sesame Street! From an early age I had a window into other people and cultures. When I left home to attend Syracuse University I finally felt like I lived in a diverse population. It was wonderful to make new friends and learn about so many different cultures and religions. As those friends got older and had children I really recognized how unjust it is that they don't get to see themselves in books. Every type of kid deserves to see themselves and their family reflected in books. We need to do more as book creators to provide mirrors and windows that reflect our beautiful world.
I really appreciated the enthusiastic support of the publisher, Tundra, on the subject - they brought it up before I even had a chance!
If you are interested in learning more about diversity in children's books I encourage you to visit We Need Diverse Books - they are doing important work and provide so many excellent resources.
I also want to share a page from the activity kit for the book. I hope this will help create a fun story time in libraries and classrooms. Print it out and let your kids color or write why it's great being them!