Lucky you! This posted early! The normal posting date for Ask Carrie + Bonus Links will be the last Thursday of the month in the future.
Ask Carrie
Urania Smith wants to know:
“How much room does an author have in dictating that a person of color is reflected in the illustrations when the topic is not cultural? I think it's important for kids to see themselves reflected in books where culture isn't the focus also.”
Carrie:
Thanks for the question, Urania! The flavor we give our text influences the way an illustrator visualizes a creation. Therefore, we need to put as much as we can into our characters before we write. Interview your character. Do you know everything about him or her? Every detail will not make it into a picture book, but the voice will come across loud and clear. Physical features and “descriptive” types of details are not normally included in illustration notes. However, as a writer who supports your statement: “I think it’s important for kids to see themselves reflected in books where culture isn’t the focus,” it can’t hurt to offer an illustration note to spread #WeNeedDiverseBooks fever.
Of course, I am one opinion. What do you think? Chime in below and start thinking of new questions. I will answer one or two during the next Ask Carrie session.
Bonus Links
Cornering Your Passion to Boost Growth
by Carrie Charley Brown
Save the Scraps
by Carrie Charley Brown
Hi Monica! Congrats on the upcoming May 1st release of your second Tweedles picture book, The Tweedles Go Online. I love the family dynamic and subtle pieces of history that are weaved into this story. All of the THINK QUICK themes below appear in your book. Let’s see which way you lean. Remember, THINK QUICK!
On Communication:
Talk on the Phone or In Person?
(Read Monica's answer and more about The Tweedles at Carrie On… Together!)