Equality and Diversity is extremely important today, especially within the illustrative community. It’s important children’s book Illustrators include people from a range of social and economic backgrounds, genders, races, disabilities, ages and orientations. Having diversity within children’s books, especially when there’s people involved, is extremely important as it not only helps to give children of minority’s a sense of identity, but it allows for other kids to absorb the correct ideas about these topics, how everyone should be given the same amount of respect, love and compassion, regardless of who they are. Illustrators typically research thoroughly into topics and themes before designing their books, making sure their depictions of specific marginalised groups are accurate and well informed, leaning away from any harmful stereotypes.

Some examples of this are “Bear: A Story Of Autism & Difference” illustrated by Leanne Coelho. This book is a great example of equality as it uses Bears to represent kids with autism, highlighting the differences they face, but not excluding them and separating them with any prejudice from the other bears. This is a good way to highlight people’s differences whilst embracing them for being who they are through visuals. Books like this are necessary in helping kids to understand others and themselves better as they grow.

Another example of equality and diversity within children’s book illustrations is “Everything You Need For A Treehouse” illustrated by Emily Hughes. This book takes a different approach, choosing not to highlight any specific minority group, but to show a wide variety of diverse characters working together to build a treehouse. This is also a very important way to add representation into illustrative books, by including all genders and races without drawing attention to it, with a more natural, relaxed approach of inclusivity.