Diversity

Write a book review on " Diversity"

For my first task I have chosen to write a book review on a picture book called Stanley Paste by Aaron Blabey. Blabey introduces the topic of diversity by drawing the audience’s attention to differences and similarities. In my position as Children’s and Youth Librarian for a public library service, my role is to introduce primary aged children to a variety of books that talk about issues they can relate to in the schoolyard. “Children with low self-esteem are usually described as being hesitant to take risks or move out of their comfort zone. They often talk and think negatively about themselves. In contrast, children with very high self-esteem may be described as cocky, boastful, or arrogant” (Young 2004).  I work in a low socio-economic area and I find the children can relate to picture books so much easier. Aaron Blabey, is an Australian author of children's books and artist. His award winning picture books include Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley and The Ghost of Miss Annabel Spoon. “ Blabey’s books confront the overwhelming fears and challenges of childhood, respects them, lightens them with humour, takes out the sting and hands them back in a form that is comforting understandable and funny” (Magpies Magazine, 2009)

Stanley Paste is small, really small and he hates it because it means everything from being bad at sport to being bullied by other kids. Until that is, Stanley meets a girl who is as tall as he is short and suddenly realizes that being different isn't necessarily a bad thing! The vulnerability and loneliness is profound from the cover of this book. While Stanley tries being philosophical and unintimidated in his response, he hates the reality.  Eleanor Cabbage, comes to his school, she is targeted for being tall. The two of them become good friends looking out for each other and laughing lots. Being small or tall ceases to be a problem and they even learn to use it to their advantage. Blabey’s unique style of simple text, food inspired character names, a palette of dark autumn tones and humorous illustrations that exaggerate body features and facial expressions to convey mood, yet again celebrates differences and indomitable spirit of childhood. Valuing and respecting diversity is vital for children to develop a strong sense of identity. Principles of equity and diversity are linked to children developing a sense of belonging, identity, and well being so that they become effective communicators and confident, involved learners ; research strongly suggests that efforts to prevent bullying should begin in early childhood when children normally learn to control aggression. Bullying, bully prevention, schoolyard violence, and violent youth are all community concerns.(Venus, 2008).  Stanley Paste provide students with the opportunity to feel united with their peers by both their similarities and their differences. They will create a forum in which students can talk about why name calling often occurs, and how this targeting can be re-framed into something positive.

Title -  Stanley Paste

Author - Blabey, Aaron

Publisher -  Penguin/Viking

Pub Date -  2009

ISBN -  978-0-670-07180-7

Blabey, A. (2009). Stanley Paste.  Australia: Penguin

Magpie Magazine (2009). Stanley Paste by Aaron Blabey. Magpie Magazine. 24(2), p.32

Venus, J. (2008). A public library partnership to prevent bullying. Partnership:The Canadian Journal of Library & Information Practice & Research. 3 (1), p. 1-3 Retrieved from Ebscohost

Young, E. & Hoffman, L. (2004). Self Esteem in Children: Strategies for parents and educators. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/communications/spawareness/selfesteem_ho.pdf