Over recent years, the ‘Equal Measures’ event has become a regular attraction at the London Book Fair (Earls Court). It has explored many aspects of disability and children’s books and speakers have included Julia Donaldson, Francesca Martinez, Michael Foreman, Nick Sharratt and Ros Asquith.
This year’s seminar line-up is another exciting one. As opposed to focusing purely on disability and books, the event will take a step back to reflect on the state of the children’s book landscape in relation to wider diversity issues. To what extent do the books we give our children really reflect the diverse society we live in? Which areas of diversity are still neglected and why? What are the needs in terms of schools, organisations and families? What are the challenges for publishers, writers and illustrators? Which books represent really good examples of best practice and where we can we find more?
Special guest speaker Verna Wilkins will talk about her impact on the book world and a panel of specialists in diversity issues will share their wealth of experience with the book world.