Empathy starts early: 5 Australian picture books that celebrate diversity

By Ping Tian, Honorary Associate, Department of Linguistics, University of Sydney
Helen Caple, Associate Professor in Communications and Journalism, UNSW

Early exposure to diverse story characters, including in ethnicity, gender and ability, helps young people develop a strong sense of identity and belonging. It is also crucial in cultivating compassion towards others.

Children from minority backgrounds rarely see themselves reflected in the books they’re exposed to. Research over the past two decades shows the world presented…

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