WHO DO I SEE IN THE MIRROR?
diversity in children’s products. Seeing the hard stats ignited my fire to demand change. You have to be the change you want to see, so I launched out to create the change we need. This change was not just for my daughter, who was my inspiration for writing the book, but for countless children who, like my own daughter, needed to see themselves and others reflected in the world around them. In an increasingly diverse world, traditional educational resources often fall short of representing the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and abilities that make up our society. A Book That Reflects a Part of the World
A Journey of Discovery and Diversity with Philly & Friends
My answer to this need was my debut children’s book, Who Do I See in the Mirror?, a beautifully crafted and thoughtfully illustrated work that celebrates diversity. This book, now recognised by Hello! magazine as one of the best children’s books on diversity and by Smiley News as one of the most inspiring children’s books promoting equality, introduces children to the concept of uniqueness, self-love and appreciation, but emphasises that we are much more than our appearance. It’s a book that encourages children to ask questions, understand differences and embrace diversity from a young age. Who Do I See in the Mirror? recently won a Junior Design Award for Best Pre-School Book. Here’s what one of the judges said: “This book celebrates difference and commonality in a wonderfully accessible and upbeat way, emphasising that it’s what’s on the inside that’s most important of all. This is a great library staple for all children.”
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Inclusive Leaders
From a Book to a Movement
Discovering the Need for Diversity
Why Diversity in Play and Education Matters
Empowering Early Learners In the world of early childhood education, where young minds are shaped and nurtured, the importance of diversity cannot be overstated. It is a vital element that lays the foundation for a generation of empathetic, open-minded and inclusive individuals. This is the journey that I embarked upon, a journey that led me to create the beloved children’s book, Who Do I See in the Mirror? and launch the award-winning educational toy brand Philly & Friends. Today, I delve into my story and why my vision is crucial to early education. My journey began with a simple question: “Who do I see in the mirror?” This question was inspired by the birth of my daughter. Becoming a parent in 2017 opened my eyes to the inequality and lack of 26 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | AU T U M N 2 02 3
But I didn’t stop at a single book; I recognised that my mission extended far beyond the pages of a story. Philly & Friends was born as an extension of this vision, an educational toy brand dedicated to instilling self-love and confidence while offering learning through play and providing representation. With beautifully illustrated books, puzzles, wall art and dolls, Philly & Friends has become a trusted resource for parents, educators and caregivers looking to make diversity a core part of early learning. Our products are designed to encourage our little ones to dream. At the heart of my journey is a profound belief in the power of diversity in play and education. But why is this belief so important, and how does it benefit our children? Let’s explore why books like
