Industry Q&A with Robin Smith, children’s book reviewer
When you were a child or young adult, what book first opened your eyes to the diversity of the world?
I think the first book I remember really opening my eyes was The Soul Brothers and Sister Lou. I have no idea how well it holds up over time.
What is your favorite diverse book that you recently read?
Since I am currently serving on a committee which looks at books from all over the globe, I have many books with diverse characters from all countries. I couldn't possible pick a "favorite," but a new book I think everyone should read is I Have the Right to Be a Child which is an illustrated book about UN Convention on the rights of the child. It is stunning.
If you could participate in a story time with any children’s book author or illustrator (alive or dead) who would it be? I would love to have met and heard John Steptoe–I would love to hear him tell and talk about Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, one of my favorite books of all time.
How do you introduce books featuring characters of color to parents and kids?
I really don't do anything different when I share books with characters of color to children, to tell you the truth.
