Hi, I’m Kelly – and I refuse to niche down! I am an artist, parent, and passionate advocate for inclusive children’s literature, community, and social justice.
Beyond highlighting important children’s books, I also consult with individuals and organizations to create booklists and workshops that are designed with a more inclusive, equitable, and empathic, future in mind.
To that same goal, I am also an artist that works through textiles, block printing, zines, and more to express a message that meets our time. Here in Halifax, I teach art workshops to help others learn to express their message, speak up and speak out, and build community where we live.
What can picture books do?
When children can see themselves in books, it’s affirming and validating.
When children can develop empathy for others through books, we can transform the world.
Expanding a bookshelf can expand a child’s world and start conversations that create change.
Why is Diversity in Publishing important?
In a 2018 study of books published in North America:
1%
Featured Native American / Indigenous characters
5%
Featured Latinx characters
7%
Featured Asian Pacific Islander / Asian Pacific characters
10%
Featured Black / African / African American characters
27%
Featured animals or other characters
50%
Featured White characters
We MUST do better than this.
*compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2018
Inclusive Story Time 