Representation is an important element for a healthy childhood. Children who see people who are similar to themselves succeeding are more likely to believe that they, too, can be successful. Representation in children’s books and literature — both of the authors and of the characters featured in stories — provides a sense of inclusion and belonging. Diversity is an accurate reflection of reality, which is why the children’s books at Green Bamboo Publishing feature stories about many different types of animals. The books we publish also feature a diverse range of authors and illustrators. In honor of Black History Month, we are recognizing five children’s books by black authors and illustrators, including one of our own, the Canadian author Candace Amarante.

Do you ever long to be different, to embrace the many colors of who you are? Author Candace Amarante explores this theme of self-expression in the children’s picture book The Pheasant’s Tale or … was it its Tail?

Guest post by Calvin Lai

When Jojo first came into my life he was small enough to fit in my hands. He couldn’t make a sound when he meowed, and he was a little frail, but he was full of love. I adored the little grey patch on his chin and the fur behind his ears. He was actually one of the softest kittens I had ever petted, and he was my buddy from day one. Eventually, he found his voice, and his health started to improve. I taught him how to come to me when I called his name. I played fetch with him with a toy mouse. He liked to cuddle. But not all the time. Though Jojo was a very friendly kitten, he also had a wild side to him, and he let it out whenever he was in an ornery mood. I’m not sure what set him off, but there were times when you could see the look in his eyes and you had to tread carefully. He was an energetic kitten, and kittens go crazy sometimes. Or at least this one did.

By: Lee Ann Callaghan

The inspiration for the children’s book character Phiggy the Piggy started back in 2005 in a small Italian Restaurant in San Francisco. My friend and soul sister Dee Kennedy and I worked together at Café Pescatore near Fisherman’s Wharf. Since the day we met we were kindred spirits and had our own lingo to laugh and pass the down time. Everyone became a Petal, Pet, or a Phig. We created characters and passed notes to make each other laugh. And, suddenly together we created a character and named her Phiggy the Piggy.

Guest post by Candace Amarante

Writing children’s books about animals is usually considered a big “don’t”. On the one hand, nobody can rival big classics such as Aesop’s Fables, The Chronicles of Narnia or Gulliver’s Travels, on the other hand, whatever is imaginable about animals seems to have already been written: from singing lice to psychologically troubled crickets; you name it, you’ll find it! Yet, sometimes things have a way of coming together on their own …

Guest Post by Andrew McLoughlin

The summer weather is here at last, and many cyclists are looking forward to another season of sunshine, long rides over paths and trails, easier commutes to work, or just the simple freedom of heading out on the road. While it’s certainly tempting to bring your furry friends along for the ride, it isn’t without its share of risks. As activists for bicycle safety in all spheres, Bay Area Bicycle Law has put together this list of excellent safety tips for biking with your dog this summer to keep you and your canine companion safe and happy.