A Seat At The Table: The Power of BIPOC Women Illustrators

In the 84 year history of the Caldecott Medal, a BIPOC woman has never been named the winner. Why not? In an open and intimate discussion moderated by blogger Alia Jones, four illustrators—Juana Martinez-Neal (Zonia's Rain Forest), Kaylani Juanita (The Little Things), Cátia Chien (The Bear and the Moon), and Cat Min (Shy Willow)—explore the experiences of women in children's book illustration, and how the intersections of race, class and gender play a role in what illustrators are recognized and given major awards, or are featured on library shelves and in collections across the country, or are published in the first place. The illustrators will share personal stories of the women artists who continue to inspire them and reflect on ways to increase access and equity for other women artists.