The Power of Picture Books with Dr. Deborah Pope & Jocelyn McCarthy
In this episode of Reading Inspires, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Dr. Deborah Pope and Jocelyn McCarthy of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation about the enduring legacy of Ezra Jack Keats and the foundation’s mission to promote diversity in children’s literature. Founded in 1964 after the publication of The Snowy Day, the foundation advances Keats’ vision that all children deserve to see themselves reflected in books. Its key initiatives include the Ezra Jack Keats Award, honoring early-career authors and illustrators who create diverse, high-quality work, and a Bookmaking Program that empowers students in grades 3–12 to write and illustrate their own stories. The discussion also highlights the Mock EJK Award program, which engages students nationwide in evaluating books using kid-friendly criteria that mirror the official award process, fostering critical thinking, meaningful conversations about diversity, and deeper connections to reading. Throughout, the guests emphasize how literature builds power, perspective, and belonging, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to helping every child feel visible and valued.
About Dr. Deborah Pope, Executive Director:
Deborah Pope has focused the work and mission of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation on increasing diversity in children’s literature and enriching the quality of public education.Through her efforts, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award is recognized internationally as an imprimatur of quality diverse children’s books, and the New York City EJK Bookmaking Competition has become a program easily transferred to school districts across the country. Deborah was co-executive producer of the 2016 Amazon Snowy Day Holiday Special which earned two Daytime Emmys®, two Kidscreen Awards and a BAFTA nomination. She successfully campaigned for the 2017 USPS Snowy Day Stamps series honoring EJK’s classic book.
About Jocelyn McCarthy, Associate Director:
Jocelyn has spearheaded the expansion of the Foundation’s presence on all social media platforms, representing our mission and programs with an accurate and engaging voice since 2020. In addition Jocelyn manages the technical aspects of recording and presenting our various online events, and participates as a creative force in the constant need to update our website interface. She became aware of the Foundation while visiting New York, and was impressed by its programs and mission. Jocelyn has an entrepreneurial spirit, 20 years experience in marketing and promotions, and is a dedicated advocate for quality early childhood education. Jocelyn lives in Los Angeles.
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Erin Bailey: Welcome to Reading Inspires by Reading is Fundamental.00:00:02.845 --> 00:00:04.675
I'm your host, Dr. Erin Bailey.00:00:04.675 --> 00:00:08.185
This podcast celebrates the power of books and the joy of reading.00:00:08.215 --> 00:00:15.620
In each episode, we talk with educators, librarians, families, authors, and literacy champions to explore one big question.00:00:16.295 --> 00:00:18.365
What does Reading inspire for you?00:00:18.635 --> 00:00:26.645
Through stories, research, and real world experiences from classrooms, libraries, and homes, we explore what literacy looks like and why it matters.00:00:27.035 --> 00:00:32.195
Whether you're nurturing young readers, shaping learning spaces, or simply love a good book, we're glad you're here.00:00:32.310 --> 00:00:33.480
Let's get inspired.00:00:33.840 --> 00:00:35.220
Today I'm chatting with Dr.00:00:35.220 --> 00:00:41.940
Deborah Pope, executive director and Jocelyn McCarthy, associate Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.00:00:42.150 --> 00:00:47.760
And if you're unfamiliar with Ezra Jack Keats, you probably know one of his most famous books I know I do.00:00:47.950 --> 00:00:57.610
The Snowy Day, which was one that I loved reading with my daughter and I. This little red plush, stuffy doll of the main character, Peter and my daughter.00:00:57.610 --> 00:01:00.470
And I would often cuddle up and read the book together.00:01:00.470 --> 00:01:02.120
Oh, Deborah has the same doll.00:01:02.150 --> 00:01:03.020
Yep, that's it.00:01:03.380 --> 00:01:10.625
And even though the book is about snow, it always filled us with a warm feeling inside, so a very beloved.00:01:11.250 --> 00:01:13.200
Book and beloved author.00:01:13.200 --> 00:01:15.630
So I'm excited to chat with you today.00:01:15.730 --> 00:01:17.620
We'll start with introductions.00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:19.360
I'd love to hear from you, Deborah.00:01:19.390 --> 00:01:22.240
How did you get into children's literature?00:01:23.240 --> 00:01:26.390
Deb Pope: Well, it's an interesting story, I guess, at least to me.00:01:26.870 --> 00:01:38.280
Ironically, I didn't read very many children's books illustrated children's books because I had a lot of trouble learning how to read and didn't really learn how to read until the fourth grade.00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:41.550
My parents, of course, read to me, but my father.00:01:42.195 --> 00:01:49.065
Who read to me enjoyed things like Jules Verne, and so I, I had a lot of chapter books and enjoyed them thoroughly.00:01:49.995 --> 00:01:51.845
But for me, reading was very difficult.00:01:52.895 --> 00:01:59.405
And so I understand in particular kids who don't immediately glom onto books.00:02:00.245 --> 00:02:09.575
And because books became so important to me as an older child and as an adult, it resonates with me the need to make reading.00:02:10.575 --> 00:02:17.385
More of a friend to all children, even children who do not come to it organically or immediately.00:02:18.385 --> 00:02:35.205
And the other aspect of my coming, not just to children's literature, but to this particular corner, is that my father and Ezra grew up together and were boyhood friends and best friends until he died in 19 82.00:02:36.205 --> 00:02:41.125
And so, this kind of blends into some of the other questions I think that you're gonna be asking.00:02:41.395 --> 00:02:49.380
So I'll pause here and, you know, we can come back to that subject more about the origins of the foundation and the mission.00:02:50.380 --> 00:02:54.780
Erin Bailey: I love that Deborah, and you know, when I taught reading specialist.00:02:54.780 --> 00:02:55.590
Candidates.00:02:55.590 --> 00:03:04.050
I would often say from my experience, the best reading specialists are those who struggled to learn to read as children.00:03:04.050 --> 00:03:10.560
They develop a deeper empathy that they can relate to the students that they're going to be working with.00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:14.800
So it doesn't surprise me at all that has been your experience as well.00:03:14.800 --> 00:03:17.290
And I also love what you said about making.00:03:17.610 --> 00:03:18.870
Reading a friend.00:03:18.870 --> 00:03:20.460
Such a beautiful phrase.00:03:20.460 --> 00:03:21.300
Thank you for that.00:03:21.640 --> 00:03:23.050
And we'll turn it over to you.00:03:23.050 --> 00:03:23.500
Jocelyn.00:03:23.500 --> 00:03:26.260
Would love to hear how you entered this space.00:03:27.455 --> 00:03:28.385
Jocelyn McCarthy: Yeah, thanks Erin.00:03:28.485 --> 00:03:33.405
So I joined the foundation just about five years ago.00:03:34.085 --> 00:03:37.505
I came from actually a different, totally different background.00:03:37.505 --> 00:03:38.970
I was working in marketing and promotions.00:03:39.890 --> 00:03:45.320
And it just came to a point in my career where I didn't wanna work just to work.00:03:45.320 --> 00:03:48.620
I wanted to do something that I cared about and I was passionate about.00:03:48.980 --> 00:03:58.150
And I had a young child at the time was five or six years old, and Deborah and I just started talking about the foundation and if it made sense and.00:03:58.475 --> 00:04:12.185
I started seeing what the foundation does and it was very important to me watching these kids in a traditional setting, not getting the support they needed and how important reading is and the programs that we do.00:04:12.245 --> 00:04:14.000
And I've been with the foundation ever since.00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:15.480
Erin Bailey: Wonderful.00:04:15.480 --> 00:04:15.870
Thank you.00:04:15.870 --> 00:04:18.540
Well, let's dive in and hear a little bit more about that.00:04:18.540 --> 00:04:27.570
Can you share the story of how the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation began and what inspired its core mission of supporting children's literature?00:04:28.570 --> 00:04:31.285
Deb Pope: Well, first and foremost, it's came.00:04:31.495 --> 00:04:34.165
Came from your introduction, Karen, and that is the.00:04:34.255 --> 00:04:35.005
Snowy day.00:04:35.525 --> 00:04:50.555
And Ezra looking around when he was invited to write, as well as illustrate a children's book saying, well, what about the children whom we don't see the children who are there and whom we do not see in children's books?00:04:51.035 --> 00:04:58.235
He said, that's the child that I'm going to center my literature on, because that was the child I was.00:04:58.660 --> 00:05:05.530
It really does have to do with what you were saying also about people who can empathize with non-readers.00:05:06.670 --> 00:05:18.040
Ezra empathize with the children who don't feel visible, and so that's who he wanted to make visible in children's literature so they could see themselves in the literature.00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:24.990
And so really the focus of the foundation is based very much on Ezra's vision and also on his life experience.00:05:25.560 --> 00:05:37.900
He created the foundation in 1964 after the publication of the Snowy Day, but it really was used for about 20 years only to support organizations that he wanted to organize support rather.00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:50.630
He left the royalties of the books, all of his books to this foundation that he created so that after his death, all those royalties could be used to do good in the world.00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:53.690
And that was actually, that was the direction in his will.00:05:54.350 --> 00:05:55.070
To do good.00:05:56.070 --> 00:06:01.065
And as I said just a moment ago our programs and our mission is based on his life.00:06:02.065 --> 00:06:07.915
So his vision was that all children should be able to see themselves in the books that they read.00:06:08.845 --> 00:06:11.485
And so that is our core mission.00:06:12.485 --> 00:06:17.825
And then in addition to that, Ezra grew up in a very poor home.00:06:18.965 --> 00:06:26.705
And his parents were terrified that he would actually become an artist because artists categorically starved.00:06:27.185 --> 00:06:31.715
They did not want him to starve, and so they tried not to give him encouragement.00:06:32.215 --> 00:06:34.465
They did anyway, but it was muted.00:06:34.465 --> 00:06:37.375
It was strained because it was so frightened.00:06:37.795 --> 00:06:42.775
The encouragement that Ezra got was from his public school teachers and public librarians.00:06:43.775 --> 00:06:51.395
They cheered him on and they really allowed him to move forward in the field that he loved.00:06:51.605 --> 00:06:58.585
And so, for so many reasons, public education is so incredibly important.00:06:59.515 --> 00:07:01.860
It became a focus also of our mission.00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:07.265
And so when he died, the foundation was activated.00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:12.180
And the programs were designed to do that work.00:07:13.200 --> 00:07:15.900
And we have now three major programs.00:07:16.410 --> 00:07:30.270
One is the Ezra Jack Keats Award, which is given every year to what a committee of scholars and experts deemed the best of the year, illustrated and written.00:07:30.975 --> 00:07:32.775
Children's books of that year.00:07:32.775 --> 00:07:35.745
That's one of our awards, which I know we'll talk more about.00:07:35.805 --> 00:07:45.285
One of our programs, another program is the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking program in which children grades three through 12 write and illustrate their own books.00:07:45.645 --> 00:07:51.785
And I have to tell you that they rival any of the professional books that we also examine.00:07:52.355 --> 00:07:55.805
And of course then there's the mock a JK award, which is.00:07:56.270 --> 00:08:03.020
A reflection of the EJK reward, but tailored to and reflective of the actual EJK.00:08:03.020 --> 00:08:04.580
We'll get into that later too.00:08:05.580 --> 00:08:06.090
Erin Bailey: Wonderful.00:08:06.090 --> 00:08:06.810
Thank you.00:08:07.140 --> 00:08:15.260
That's great to hear about his Ezra Jack Keats life and legacy and how it continues to be alive today.00:08:15.360 --> 00:08:17.160
That moves us into our next question.00:08:17.160 --> 00:08:20.670
I'm wondering how the foundation's focus has evolved.00:08:21.920 --> 00:08:37.090
Over the years, while, you know, still remaining true to the core mission, particularly around championing d diversity and inclusion in storytelling and in children's books, because I've seen this movement grow a lot over the last few years.00:08:37.090 --> 00:08:37.150
I.00:08:38.136 --> 00:08:42.126
Deb Pope: We're very proud of the fact that we really have always been focused on it.00:08:43.086 --> 00:08:46.566
It really, as you know, I said earlier, is the core of our being.00:08:47.646 --> 00:08:55.846
And we are now in the 40th year really of the programs that I described to you, how has our mission changed or evolved?00:08:56.356 --> 00:09:12.246
To a large extent, it has changed based on the economy in the sense that teachers and public schools and public librarians have their needs have changed and the requirements.00:09:12.831 --> 00:09:14.931
That they need to meet have changed.00:09:15.831 --> 00:09:21.881
And so we need to meet teachers and librarians where they are not where they were 10 years ago.00:09:23.081 --> 00:09:33.661
The core of what we offer them has pretty much remained stable, you know, diversity, inclusion and public education.00:09:34.661 --> 00:09:36.011
Our programs have evolved.00:09:36.071 --> 00:09:46.801
We used to have a program called the Mini grant program, which in which we got applications from teachers and librarians for programs that they otherwise could not do.00:09:46.801 --> 00:09:57.121
And there's a small grants evolved into the Mach e jk, which we have found to really be much more doable to the teachers.00:09:58.261 --> 00:09:59.881
And that's what they need now.00:10:00.181 --> 00:10:01.021
They need things that are.00:10:09.501 --> 00:10:11.541
Erin Bailey: Do you wanna add anything, Jocelyn?00:10:12.685 --> 00:10:27.030
Jocelyn McCarthy: our programs also, we've gone along with the times where we offer a lot of virtual support and we have, for the, for example, for our mock EJK program, we do a Zoom orientation now 'cause it's all across the country.00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:38.335
For our committee on the EJK award, we do virtual deliberations, whereas before anyway, we're just, you know, we're a victim of.00:10:38.905 --> 00:10:45.775
The advances of technology just like anywhere else, but it does make our programs and our work more accessible for everyone.00:10:46.269 --> 00:10:50.859
Erin Bailey: I wanna talk a little bit about just the EJK award before we get into the mock.00:10:50.859 --> 00:10:55.599
So for listeners who are unfamiliar, your definitely going to see it everywhere.00:10:55.599 --> 00:10:57.969
Now, check out your classroom library.00:10:58.209 --> 00:11:01.629
You'll find either a gold or silver round emblem with.00:11:01.914 --> 00:11:06.834
The character Peter in it, in his famous red, puffy snowsuit.00:11:07.054 --> 00:11:11.404
And that, that's the award it's given every year to a children's book.00:11:11.404 --> 00:11:16.494
So I'm sure all of our listeners, as I am, are eager to find out how does it happen?00:11:16.494 --> 00:11:19.284
What's the behind the scenes of the award?00:11:19.284 --> 00:11:20.814
Who reviews the books?00:11:20.814 --> 00:11:22.374
How do you submit books?00:11:22.424 --> 00:11:24.254
All of the behind the scenes.00:11:25.254 --> 00:11:28.044
Deb Pope: I just also wanna add, you know, we have two winners.00:11:28.044 --> 00:11:33.719
One is for illustration and one is for writing author, and we also have four honor books.00:11:34.614 --> 00:11:39.024
So each year there are actually six books highlighted, and we're very proud of that.00:11:39.364 --> 00:11:42.574
Two honors for writing and two honors for illustration.00:11:43.574 --> 00:11:44.804
How does it work?00:11:44.864 --> 00:11:50.744
Well, as Jocelyn said, the committee meets virtually over a weekend every year.00:11:51.524 --> 00:11:55.504
The people who sit on the committee are pretty much.00:11:56.254 --> 00:12:04.684
Are the same people are similar to the award committees that sit on Newbury, the call to Cop, CSK, Chris Scott King.00:12:05.254 --> 00:12:15.674
These are people who work with children who are librarians, who are scholars and work with graduate students who are themselves.00:12:15.824 --> 00:12:20.642
Authors and illustrators also we're one of the few committees that include.00:12:21.642 --> 00:12:25.815
Book makers themselves, and they meet over the course of three days.00:12:26.989 --> 00:12:40.159
Books are submitted by publishers over the course of a year, and so what we get are is a selection of books published from January 1st to basically December 1st.00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:44.359
We, our deadline is December 1st because we meet right after the new year.00:12:45.289 --> 00:12:47.569
We need time to organize the books.00:12:48.569 --> 00:12:56.099
And everybody on the committee gets a copy of every book and has to read every book and evaluate every book.00:12:56.729 --> 00:13:00.369
And there is a list of criteria.00:13:00.669 --> 00:13:09.629
And I think what Jocelyn was saying just a few moments ago was, we are one of the first, and to include.00:13:10.049 --> 00:13:13.439
Diversity as a criteria for excellence.00:13:14.579 --> 00:13:21.879
It's not just something that we look for, it's that it's core, it's a core quality to remove.00:13:22.879 --> 00:13:31.335
And the criteria also include the regular things, you know, integration of text and illustration, originality.00:13:31.635 --> 00:13:38.965
Appealing to the intelligence of the child, featuring family and community, the childhood experience.00:13:40.135 --> 00:13:53.987
And we're also very proud that people who serve on the committee always tell us how much they enjoy the conversations they feel the conversations are open up the books.00:13:54.197 --> 00:13:56.147
And I think to some extent it's because.00:13:56.987 --> 00:14:01.997
The scholars and the teachers are meeting with the artists and the illustrators and they learn from each other.00:14:02.997 --> 00:14:08.577
So at the end of the three days, we have the two winners and the four honors.00:14:09.117 --> 00:14:20.247
And then comes the real fun and that is calling the publishers to tell them to tell their artists and authors that they've won or been honored.00:14:21.378 --> 00:14:26.698
that's always a fantastic experience because it means so much.00:14:26.818 --> 00:14:28.588
It does what we want it to do.00:14:28.588 --> 00:14:34.051
And that this is really to boost careers and so we, we are able to see that kind of joy,00:14:34.128 --> 00:14:39.408
Jocelyn McCarthy: So what's special about the EJK award is that they're all new illustrators and authors.00:14:39.408 --> 00:14:42.138
They can't have more than four books published.00:14:42.688 --> 00:14:43.648
And that's really special.00:14:43.648 --> 00:14:44.878
It really boosts their career.00:14:44.878 --> 00:14:50.598
It's really focused on early career and it boosts their career and helps 'em get known.00:14:51.598 --> 00:15:00.183
Erin Bailey: I'm sure that resonates with Ezra Jack Keats mission as well and his experience of being told to some degree.00:15:00.808 --> 00:15:04.558
That an being an artist, you know, wasn't for him.00:15:04.858 --> 00:15:14.478
And now he has the opportunity to support newer artists, people just entering the space, and that's very powerful as well.00:15:15.603 --> 00:15:16.563
Deb Pope: It is very powerful.00:15:16.983 --> 00:15:17.463
It is.00:15:17.616 --> 00:15:22.370
And there are quite a few of the artists who say, I was Peter.00:15:23.362 --> 00:15:25.852
They simply say, I was Peter, or I am Peter.00:15:26.497 --> 00:15:33.807
That book made me feel like I had a place in the world of books, and we want to increase that experience.00:15:33.807 --> 00:15:35.367
That's really it.00:15:35.367 --> 00:15:42.536
It, you know, certainly we're fans, great fans of the snowy day, but you know, we always need more.00:15:43.536 --> 00:15:43.856
Erin Bailey: Absolutely.00:15:44.141 --> 00:15:45.131
That's beautiful.00:15:45.221 --> 00:15:45.941
I love that.00:15:46.311 --> 00:15:46.431
So.00:15:47.116 --> 00:15:52.966
I know Jocelyn, you work very closely with then what is called the mock EJK award.00:15:52.966 --> 00:16:01.306
Can you share the details about that and why is it so important for younger readers to participate in that kind of award?00:16:02.306 --> 00:16:02.756
Jocelyn McCarthy: Yeah.00:16:02.806 --> 00:16:04.006
We were.00:16:05.046 --> 00:16:15.391
We were actually being told that there was a lot of interest in bringing in the EJK mock award into the classroom by one of our partners in Baltimore, one of our educators.00:16:15.621 --> 00:16:30.351
So we developed this program, the EJK Mock Award, and we think it's really important because it makes it really accessible for students and teachers and educators, librarians who bring in these discussions into their classrooms.00:16:30.836 --> 00:16:34.766
It's very, it's a really fun exercise going through the process.00:16:34.766 --> 00:16:39.596
It reflects and mimics the actual EJK award process.00:16:39.896 --> 00:16:43.586
And kids and educators really take a deep dive into these books.00:16:43.946 --> 00:16:56.531
We offer our educators who participate in the program a list of suggested books, and they choose several, and they go through the actual process of what it's like to evaluate a book.00:16:57.176 --> 00:17:03.486
Based on different criteria, of course, one being diversity and they all talk about it.00:17:03.486 --> 00:17:10.236
There's really interesting and fun conversations that they have in the classroom as a result of this program.00:17:11.236 --> 00:17:17.826
Erin Bailey: So the students are actually using the same rubric that the committee would use to evaluate the books.00:17:18.781 --> 00:17:25.371
Jocelyn McCarthy: Yeah, more or less it's a kid friendly version, like what hits your heart, you know, the language is a little bit different.00:17:25.591 --> 00:17:34.781
And what we found is the Debra and I were just talking about this earlier today, is that we talk about diversity as being one of the, criteria for kids to evaluate.00:17:34.781 --> 00:17:37.091
And, you know, they come up with really interesting things.00:17:37.091 --> 00:17:44.891
Like one our, one of our partners said the kids came up with biodiversity in a book and talked about the biodiversity of a book.00:17:44.891 --> 00:17:48.581
And it really brings up fun conversations.00:17:48.681 --> 00:17:55.254
And they talk about illustration and community and all, all different things.00:17:55.793 --> 00:18:14.588
Deb Pope: We actually do hear that from the teachers that this is a way for them to see this quality, to encourage this quality of
critical thinking in their students organically without saying, this is what you need to be thinking, or this is what you need to believe.00:18:15.588 --> 00:18:19.303
It's looking at the book and talking about what happens in the book.00:18:20.303 --> 00:18:23.673
Erin Bailey: Yeah, especially your example, Jocelyn, of the biodiversity.00:18:23.673 --> 00:18:29.043
I see a lot of critical thinking happening there and vocabulary development for those students.00:18:29.643 --> 00:18:38.013
Of what the word diversity means and how it may change in different contexts and through discussions, so that's wonderful.00:18:38.063 --> 00:18:51.203
How else have educators and students responded to the mock EJK award, especially in terms of student engagement levels, critical thinking discussions and promoting diverse perspectives.00:18:51.504 --> 00:18:54.204
Jocelyn McCarthy: The feedback that we have received is very positive.00:18:54.204 --> 00:18:59.794
You know, we have a lot of repeat educators, so we, this program is fairly new.00:18:59.794 --> 00:19:09.214
It's one of our, like Debra mentioned, we transitioned over from our mini grant program into doing this mock EJK program based on need and desire.00:19:09.484 --> 00:19:12.154
And we're seeing that with our, the people that sign up.00:19:12.154 --> 00:19:13.774
But it's only increasing.00:19:14.044 --> 00:19:17.944
People are returning, they're running the program multiple times.00:19:18.234 --> 00:19:21.764
This is the third year that they are running it in their classroom.00:19:21.764 --> 00:19:34.454
When you hear, when you see an award ceremony in, let's say a kindergarten class, and all the kids are, you know, clapping their hand and they're really invested in these books, it's just such a rewarding experience.00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:40.159
Deb Pope: The kids there's one particular clip that Jocelyn, I think is thinking of in which the kids.00:19:40.724 --> 00:19:49.654
It's like they're at a rock concert when they hear the name of the book or the winning book that they chose announced they go bananas.00:19:49.654 --> 00:19:52.564
And you would think these are just kindergarten kids.00:19:54.004 --> 00:20:04.174
Jocelyn McCarthy: And what's really fun too, is that we provide a list of suggested books, like I mentioned, and some of those books are some of the same books that are up for the EJK award.00:20:04.454 --> 00:20:10.964
So we provide a suggested timeline that these educators run the program and it mimics the actual award.00:20:11.244 --> 00:20:11.924
So our.00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:17.819
Interests in our, we wanna see if they choose the same books that win the actual award.00:20:18.129 --> 00:20:25.359
If it matches up that way we don't know of course, because we don't know who's gonna win the award when they run their mock.00:20:25.689 --> 00:20:34.069
And it interesting to hear what, who wins the award and why for these kids and for the, and for our committee for the actual award.00:20:34.399 --> 00:20:40.999
Deb Pope: And also for the for the authors and illustrators because we encourage the teachers to write to the authors and illustrators.00:20:41.629 --> 00:20:47.434
And so it means a great deal to them, to the bookmakers, to know that the kids have chosen their book.00:20:48.434 --> 00:20:55.624
Jocelyn McCarthy: we actually ran a EJK mock, with riff with reading as fundamental Southern California.00:20:55.864 --> 00:21:06.324
And I recorded someone saying why they chose a certain book, and I sent it to the author illustrator of the book and she was blown away by the evaluation there.00:21:06.324 --> 00:21:07.854
It was just, it was a lot of fun.00:21:08.454 --> 00:21:14.994
Erin Bailey: What a great way for children to engage with authors and illustrators too, in a informal way.00:21:14.994 --> 00:21:20.454
And it doesn't have to be in real time, you know, it's something they can record a video, write a letter, send it to the author, maybe get.00:21:21.179 --> 00:21:27.769
A response back via the mail or social media and just a great way to keep the conversation going.00:21:27.769 --> 00:21:36.169
And I love that visual that you painted for us, Debra of kindergartners cheering for a book the way you might cheer at a rock concert.00:21:36.169 --> 00:21:38.209
And isn't that what we want for children?00:21:38.209 --> 00:21:39.559
We want reading.00:21:39.764 --> 00:21:48.564
To be the equivalent of going to a rock concert or insert your you know, concert of choice because we want that engagement to be there.00:21:48.564 --> 00:21:58.734
I think that's something that reading is fundamental and the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation share is inspiring reading for young children and a love of reading.00:21:58.734 --> 00:22:03.054
And to your, what you said earlier, Deborah, too, of making reading your.00:22:03.224 --> 00:22:08.324
Friend, that's really what we want is to cultivate that love and that joy.00:22:08.324 --> 00:22:14.444
So I think you do that, I'm sure for all the educators who are listening, they wanna know, how can I get involved?00:22:14.444 --> 00:22:17.284
How can I get mock EJK at my school?00:22:17.284 --> 00:22:18.514
So how does it work?00:22:19.514 --> 00:22:19.804
Jocelyn McCarthy: Yeah.00:22:20.359 --> 00:22:26.329
You just go to our website, e jk f.org and sign up for the mock there.00:22:26.329 --> 00:22:28.309
And you can learn all about our programs there.00:22:28.309 --> 00:22:33.499
But if you sign up for the mock this year, we're offering a $200 bookshop gift certificate.00:22:33.749 --> 00:22:40.299
If you submit your results at the end of the year sharing with us what you did and we're really excited about that.00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:42.259
We're hoping that'll help.00:22:42.824 --> 00:22:48.584
Make it easier for more people to run the mock if they have some support to buy the books for the mock.00:22:49.484 --> 00:22:57.404
Erin Bailey: I guarantee you they appreciate that very much and I'll include the link for that in the show notes as well for all of those who are interested.00:22:57.404 --> 00:23:03.074
But what a fun way to engage your students in reading Joy critical Think.00:23:03.564 --> 00:23:04.044
I love it.00:23:04.044 --> 00:23:06.534
I wish that I had that when I was a teacher.00:23:06.534 --> 00:23:08.694
I definitely would have participated.00:23:08.943 --> 00:23:10.307
So the next question is.00:23:10.507 --> 00:23:22.347
About looking ahead what new initiatives or goals does the foundation have to further expand access to diverse children's literature and support emerging authors and illustrators?00:23:23.125 --> 00:23:29.645
Deb Pope: Well, this friendship with reading is fundamental has been a real boost.00:23:30.575 --> 00:23:31.475
Just one.00:23:31.475 --> 00:23:41.165
We have enjoyed this kind of interaction with you and your mission, and we look forward to working with you to see what new things perhaps we can do.00:23:41.645 --> 00:23:49.355
In terms of our changing our core, it's an evolution that we experience as it becomes necessary.00:23:49.645 --> 00:23:55.035
As Jocelyn said, the mock is relatively new and it continues to evolve.00:23:55.395 --> 00:23:57.615
We really try very hard to stay.00:23:58.155 --> 00:24:03.405
Connected with our constituents and being sensitive to what they need.00:24:04.405 --> 00:24:12.095
So continuing to support the new voices of authors and illustrators.00:24:12.665 --> 00:24:16.565
And this is something I think we didn't really mention before.00:24:17.135 --> 00:24:20.315
We stay in touch with the people who have won.00:24:21.080 --> 00:24:29.540
EJK because it's very important to us and we have found very important to them, former winners to pass to pay forward.00:24:30.540 --> 00:24:41.860
And the the awards and the recognition that former EJK award winners have received adds to the meaning of winning an EJK.00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:47.050
And that's something that we have found former winners enjoy doing.00:24:47.815 --> 00:24:52.645
They enjoy being part of the movement to lift up the future.00:24:53.645 --> 00:24:59.525
And this is also something that evolved because you can't do that until you have a whole family of winners.00:25:00.275 --> 00:25:09.325
And so now we really do have that large family, and we can use what they have achieved to lift up the future just as Ezra did.00:25:10.325 --> 00:25:12.905
So it's a very much a community effort.00:25:14.072 --> 00:25:14.492
Erin Bailey: Thank you.00:25:14.492 --> 00:25:15.332
I appreciate that.00:25:15.362 --> 00:25:21.752
So our final question, we always end the podcast by asking our guests what does reading Inspire for you?00:25:21.752 --> 00:25:25.502
So maybe Deborah, we can start with you and then Jocelyn would love to hear from you as well.00:25:26.344 --> 00:25:30.134
Deb Pope: You know, this goes back to the very beginning and the fact that reading.00:25:30.771 --> 00:25:32.341
was very difficult for me.00:25:33.206 --> 00:25:43.756
And so reading means sharing power because reading really is power over your environment and your world and your life.00:25:44.756 --> 00:25:53.406
And of course that's too much to say to a child, but it's part I think of why educators are educators.00:25:54.406 --> 00:26:06.466
Because we want our population to be able to have a world that's larger than what's immediately around them, and that's what we can do.00:26:07.466 --> 00:26:09.626
I think that's enough for the moment.00:26:10.626 --> 00:26:12.216
Jocelyn McCarthy: This is a reading inspire.00:26:12.276 --> 00:26:13.656
This is a hard question, Erin.00:26:13.666 --> 00:26:23.926
I'm looking forward to seeing what others have said, but you know, Deborah and I were talking about this earlier and I, and going back to what Ezra said about seeing yourself in books and.00:26:24.926 --> 00:26:38.676
Not only is it important for kids to see themselves in books, but it's also important for adults to see themselves in books and for everyone to kind of self-reflect and look at the, look at things also in a different perspective.00:26:38.676 --> 00:26:43.446
And it's so important today, more than any other time, I don't know.00:26:43.506 --> 00:26:49.246
You know, it's always important to look at things at a, from a different perspective.00:26:49.666 --> 00:26:57.106
And also relate to characters and behaviors and visuals in a book.00:26:57.556 --> 00:27:07.546
You know, I, as an adult, I still enjoy reading picture books and you see, you always see something different when you look at a book just with words or with visuals as well.00:27:07.576 --> 00:27:09.426
And it's it's always inspiring.00:27:10.426 --> 00:27:11.806
Erin Bailey: Thank you Deborah.00:27:11.806 --> 00:27:12.436
And Jocelyn.00:27:12.436 --> 00:27:18.856
I think, you know, looking at picture books, if we all, I mean I do that for my job.00:27:18.856 --> 00:27:20.746
I'm lucky to have that privilege.00:27:21.716 --> 00:27:36.596
Imagine a world where all adults could just take a moment and enjoy a picture book, one in which they saw themselves reflected, but also opened their eyes and their hearts to new adventures.00:27:36.596 --> 00:27:37.566
And as you said, Deborah.00:27:38.386 --> 00:27:45.466
A wider world because that is what we're hoping for, is to always continue to expand the world around us.00:27:45.466 --> 00:27:48.166
So thank you both so much for sharing your insights.00:27:48.466 --> 00:27:53.896
It was wonderful hearing about the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, the award, the mock award.00:27:53.896 --> 00:27:58.526
I know listeners right now are going to be checking out that link in the show notes.00:27:58.591 --> 00:28:00.481
To do the ward in their classroom.00:28:00.481 --> 00:28:12.831
I wish I could time travel so that I, when I taught first grade, so that I could do it with my students because it sounds like an incredible opportunity and sounds like it's continuing to expand for you and for your community.00:28:12.831 --> 00:28:14.001
So thank you so much.00:28:14.221 --> 00:28:17.551
And thank you for listening to Reading Inspires by Reading is Fundamental.00:28:17.551 --> 00:28:23.431
I hope today's conversation spread new ideas, meaningful connections, and renewed a love of reading.00:28:23.721 --> 00:28:32.211
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