Was the Cat in the Hat Black?

 

by Philip Nel

February is Black History Month, which is a time to celebrate Black voices and Black lives while also recognizing the work that must be done in the present to ensure diversity and racial justice is part of the future. One part of this necessary work is highlighting the importance of creating ongoing conversations around diversity and representation, beyond the single month of February. A place to look to in creating such conversations is that of children’s literature. Movements like the We Need Diverse Books movement advocate for diversity in children’s literature, fighting for the publishing industry to create books in which all children see themselves reflected while simultaneously arguing against problematic representations of race. A critical part of this work is to examine where such representations have occurred and continue to occur, identifying where conversation and change is necessary. Philip Nel’s Was the Cat in the Hat Black? does exactly that.  

A scholar in children’s literature, Nel examines how racist stereotypes and representation in children’s books perpetuate racism in adulthood, shielded by the presumed innocence of childhood culture. Analyzing works dating back to the early 1900s, Nel illustrates how, historically, children’s literature has incorporated both overt racism and subtler racism and also establishes the contexts from which such racism has emerged. He identifies how publishers have attempted to obliterate racist representations through omission of race, and how such omissions create more harm than good. Though much of his focus, as the title would suggest, is on analysis of Dr. Seuss’s works, Nel also evaluates both older works and newer pieces. Finally, while much of the book is dedicated to identifying the problematic nature of many children’s books, Nel establishes how children’s books can also combat racist ideologies, concluding with 19 suggestions for how to begin the process of change and minimize the diversity gap currently present in children’s literature. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is worth noting that Nel is clearly an academic writer, which is evident through the tone of the book and the consistently cited research. As such, I found this to be a slower read: both due to the density of the content and the richness of its delivery. I found I often would read, put the book down for a bit to consider it, and then begin again. Despite its density, however, I could not stop thinking about this book; Nel’s writing is engaging and the arguments are well-considered, founded in research, and thought-provoking. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to approach children’s literature from a critical evaluative lens and to anyone seeking ideas for discussing representation with young readers.

Sunny Days

Book Review: Sunny Days by David Kamp

Most of us, no matter how old (or young) we are, know about Sesame Street, the Muppets, and Mr. Rogers, among other children’s television staples. But who among us knows the beginnings of these shows that transformed children’s programming in the 1970s? David Kamp’s Sunny Days takes us on a wonderful journey down memory lane that lets us inside the creation of these cultural icons that taught kids about diversity, the alphabet and feminism in the 1970s.

 The idea for Sesame Street was born in the late 60s by two friends over dinner. Joan Ganz Cooney, a television producer, and Lloyd Morrisett, a psychologist interested in early childhood development, saw the possibility that television could be used as a tool to teach young children. Together they founded the Children’s Television Workshop, which created Sesame Street.  Their timing was right as there was a general political and social move to diminish learning gaps between children of differing economic status, helping them start school on a level playing field.

 A forerunner in presenting a well thought out, eclectic program, Sesame Street consciously presented a cast that was representative of neighbourhoods in the 60s and 70s. From the start, the cast was varied and included underrepresented groups like people of colour and women who worked. The show discussed timely topics including race and feminism while actively engaging their young audience. Despite the occasional criticism of what they were trying to do, the Children’s Television Workshop team remained dedicated to their goals. The show became a place people wanted to be part of, not for the money, but because it was a place where they could make a difference.

 Sunny Days is a well-researched story of not only the birth of Big Bird, but also how many other children’s shows of the time, Mr. Rogers, The Electric Company, Free to be….You and Me, and Schoolhouse Rock! were all positive influencers of preschool children’s learning in the 60s and 70s. The creative team took a lot of what they had observed in preschool children’s reactions to television overall and applied the same tools to the children’s programs. Snappy shorts that kept children engaged rather than turning them into TV zombies proved to be a successful approach. In fact, many of the short spots were created by admen of the day, applying the same advertising campaign principles that made a jingle stick in your mind. Do you, like me, burst into song with “Conjunction Junction, what’s your function…..” at random times? If you are not sure what I am talking about, many of these older items live on at YouTube, where you too can be reminded of, or learn, a jingle to help you with your ABCs and many other preschool tricks.

Sunny Days is a great trip into a time when a small group of like-minded individuals decided they could make a difference, and they did just that. Kamp’s research is thorough and engaging, and sparked many memories for me and I hope it will for you, too.

 Helen Varga is a Library Technician at the Steveston Branch of Richmond Public Library.