In 2017, only 4% of the children’s books published featured BAME characters and only 1% had a BAME main character. These were the alarming statistics published last year in CLPE’s report “Reflecting Realities – Ethnic Diversity in UK Children’s Books”.

Well, it’s good to see some very exciting developments in the world of children’s literature this week.

CILIP have launched Pen&inc. a new magazine and listings guide to promote diversity and inclusion in children’s books. The first issue features lots of interesting articles relating to diversity, interviews by Catherine Johnson and Aisha Bushby and a listings section containing more than 450 books. Click here to read it.

Also this week, publishing company Knights Of celebrated the opening of Round Table Books in Brixton, a bookshop dedicated to inclusive representation in children’s books. If you are in Brixton, make sure to visit it on Granville Arcade.

In the Curriculum Centre, we have the following booklists available for students, which can be accessed on our blog under the “Booklists” menu:

• Children’s books which represent a multicultural UK
• Picture books for diversity issues

Finally, keep an eye out for this new children’s book which is due to arrive in the Curriculum Centre next week.