Where Is The Diversity In Picture Books?
"The Book of Cultures" will bring characters from all corners of the planet to the forefront of children's stories.
NEW YORK, March 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Book of Cultures", the latest product by Worldwide Buddies, is a picture book featuring 30 stories with characters from different countries, specially created for young readers to discover the world and embrace its diversity. www.worldwidebuddies.com
Launching on Kickstarter today, the book is available to pre-order starting at $25, alongside a Kickstarter exclusive calendar in which every month will represent a different country and a special celebration.
"Through this book, we want readers to make buddies from around the world, explore the wonders of our planet, open their minds and warm their hearts ... all through their bedtime stories!" says Evi Triantafyllides, founder of Worldwide Buddies. "In this way, children will be more open to greet, meet, listen to and learn from someone slightly different from them. Someone with a different point of view..."
Picture books nurture children's imagination, allow them to see the world beyond themselves and develop compassion. But so far, children's literature has failed to portray an accurate view of the world. In 2018, less than a quarter of picture books in the US featured a hero from a diverse background, while in the UK the figure was a startling 4%.
Worldwide Buddies is on a mission to change this. "Living at a time where our daily interactions go beyond national borders and the planet's biggest problems require universal solutions, open-mindedness and adaptability are necessary skills for children to thrive in tomorrow's world." the team explains.
"The Book of Cultures" can be the first step.
Each story follows a character ("buddy") from a different country, and explores unique aspects of its culture through beautiful illustrations and fun, heartwarming plots. After each story comes a 2-page snapshot with fun facts and activities that bring the stories to life.
Every child deserves to see themselves in a story, feel accepted, relevant and loved. At the same time, every child has the right to experience and understand the world through different eyes, with all its colors and complexities, and learn how to embrace diverse perspectives, early on. "The Book of Cultures" achieves exactly that.
For more information or to back the campaign visit worldwidebuddies.com.
Media Contact
Evi Triantafyllides
646-685-1856
[email protected]
SOURCE Worldwide Buddies
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