Empowering Early Learners

A Journey of Discovery and Diversity with Philly & Friends

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Inclusive Leaders

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.

Discovering the Need for Diversity

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 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

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.”

From a Book to a Movement

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.

Why Diversity in Play and Education Matters

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

Who Do I See in the Mirror? and products from brands like Philly & Friends should be an integral part of the education system, particularly in the early years.

Building Empathy and Inclusivity

Diversity in play and education isn’t just about representation; it’s about fostering empathy and inclusivity. When children are exposed to diverse stories, characters and experiences, they learn to appreciate differences and celebrate them. These early lessons lay the foundation for a more inclusive society, where every individual feels valued and understood.

Expanding Horizons

In an increasingly interconnected world, it’s essential for our children to have a global perspective. Exposure to diverse cultures, languages and traditions at a young age broadens their horizons and helps them become more adaptable and open-minded individuals. Books like Who Do I See in the Mirror? introduce children to the rich tapestry of the world.

Breaking Stereotypes

Diversity in education and play challenges stereotypes and biases that can take root early in a child’s mind. By showcasing characters with varying abilities, backgrounds and experiences, we break down barriers and promote a more accurate and inclusive understanding of the world.

The Role of Philly & Friends

Philly & Friends, through its diverse range of resources, plays a vital role in making diversity a natural and integrated part of early education. Our beautifully designed books, wall art and toys inspire children to see themselves and others as valuable and unique. These resources are not just for individual homes but should be a core part of schools, nurseries and playrooms.

Join the Movement

As my journey continues to inspire countless parents and educators, it’s a reminder that diversity should not be an afterthought; it should be at the heart of early education. All children need to see themselves and others represented in the books they read, the toys they play with and the media they consume. I invite you to join the movement, explore Philly & Friends’ resources, and make diversity an integral part of the learning journey for our youngest learners. Together, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

VESE AGHOGHOVBIA Author and Founder of Philly & Friends www.phillyandfriends.com

Fly Boy

Teaching children how to overcome turbulent emotions

From a young age, I was obsessed with flying. I would draw wings on every cartoon person, I would draw birds flying through the sky. I would draw anything that flew, from aeroplanes to angels, and I’d jump from the highest surfaces I could, usually a bench or halfway down a slide. Flying was a form of escape for me, a way to leave behind the difficulties I faced at the timedifficulties I didn’t understand or have the language to define - and explore strange new worlds in the furthest parts of my imagination. Flying was freedom.

Writing poetry and stories gave me this same feeling of flying. It allowed me to explore different worlds and go to faraway places I had never been to. But it also gave me the means to make sense of the world around me and to see the beauty in it. I worked many jobs before becoming a writer, from part-time cleaning in offices to back-breaking warehouse work wearing a high visibility jacket. But one of my most memorable jobs was when I worked in a special needs primary school as a learning assistant. I was tasked with reading stories to the children after lunchtime – an impossible task, if you ask me, as at first they’d much rather have continued playing outside. But when they settled and listened, I saw how their eyes lit up, how the classroom suddenly transformed and became a new world for them to explore.

Fly Boy was born from these two things, my love for flying and my work with children – and my adorable little nephew who would grin at me before trying to run away, prompting me to catch him. Fly Boy is a story about a little boy with wings, who dreams of flying, but his wings change weight and colour depending on his mood: heavy and dark when he is angry or sad, light and colourful when he is happy. With help from his best friend Thomas, Fly Boy learns to navigate the chaotic environment of his home and school and overcome the inner turbulence of his emotions, until he is able to fly and soar through the sky. It’s a story about believing in yourself and your gift, about overcoming anger and difficulties, a story about friendship and how anything is possible if you have someone who believes in you.

JJ BOLA Author www.jjbola.com