Think globally, act locally: the voices of diversity in children’s books

Abstract

Today’s globalized world, full of diversity, demands the preparation of individuals capable of exerting a real global citizenship, focused on the sustainable development of all cultures and the respect for human rights. Thus, the concern about the common wellbeing is at the core of an effective education for global citizenship, promoting competencies related to knowledge and attitudes and values in the future citizens in order to prepare them to be aware of the importance of acting locally for a fairer globalized world. This text deals with children’s literature trying to find in it paths of reflection on global citizenship. The formation of readers really concerned about diversity, social justice and sustainable development finds in children’s literature opportunities of reflection. Therefore, two picture books - Bernardino (Bacelar, 2005) e Monstro Rosa (Dios, 2013) -were selected for an intertextual exploration focused on topics concerning diversity. The content analysis using a priori categories was conducted based on the principles defined by OXFAM (2015a, 2015b) to promote an education for a globalized society. The results of the study reveal that the two picture books highlight the importance of diversity for a happy and complete coexistence. The sense of belonging, the building of one’s identity and self-esteem are fostered by the awareness of the importance of the differences. Consequently, along with pleasure and reflection, children’s literature and specially these two picture books promote education for a globalized society.