A recent National Public Radio (NPR) report stated that, “According to new data from the Census Bureau, nearly half of today’s children under 5 years old are non-white.” Latinos make up 25% of public school children in U.S., but only 3% of children’s books are by or about Latinos. (source)
The above image illustrates the current racial representation of children books in 2012. (source)
Such statistics demonstrate the drastic need for more diversity in children’s books. The Guardian Princess books will promote greater racial, ethnic and gender diversity. Our first book series introduces seven princesses who are Latina, African, European, East Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, and South Asian. Our second book series will introduce their cousins, sisters, brothers; include even more races and ethnicities; and further address issues of disability and gender difference. Our stories create awareness of the human impact on the planet and the precarious conditions of many endangered animals and species.
The main goals of our books are:
1. To promote diversity and cross-racial harmony.
2. To model the importance of protecting the people and caring for the environment.