Canadian Multicultural Picture Books.

Educators have a particular interest in multicultural education and the use of literature as an avenue for the exploration and celebration of diversity within Canada. There is a need to understand the interdependence of all people in a global culture and an urgent need for peace and understanding. Five works of children's literature "Very Last First Time" by J. Andrews, "Ghost Train" by P. Yee, "How Smudge Came" by N. Gregory, "Red Parka Mary" by P. Eyvindson, and "The Moccasin Goalie" by W. Brownridge) depict a wide range of minorities and issues of discrimination--age, gender, physical and mental disability, and ethnicity. Research has shown that storybook reading accompanied by discussion can significantly improve a child's acceptance of difference. With this in mind, it is up to individual teachers to select multicultural books for their classes, and allow time to discuss the issues that arise from them. The early years in preschool and in the elementary grades are important in developing attitudes and values that are compatible with current expectations and circumstances within Canadian society. Multicultural children's books can be used effectively as means for coming to understand individual human stories, and the universal emotions and themes they contain. Appended is a list of Canadian Multicultural Picture Books (fiction). contains 23 references. (RS)