KidLit TV Featurette from The Carle Honors
The KidLit TV team was thrilled to receive the Bridge Carle Honor from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! I am absolutely delighted to share this featurette, a beautiful tribute to our work, created for us by The Carle. I would also like to thank the interviewees for their kind words and encouragement — it moved me to tears!
— Julie Gribble, Founder, KidLit TV
(Here I am watching the video for the first time!)
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Featuring:
Leonard Marcus, Curator, Historian, Author, and Founding Trustee of
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Andrea Davis Pinkney, Author, Publisher, Trustee of
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Cynthia Weill, Ed.D, Director, Center for Children's Literature,
Bank Street College of Education
Ellen Myrick, President, Publisher Spotlight
Judy Zuckerman, Director of Youth and Family Services, Brooklyn Public Library
Leonard Marcus said in the video, “I see KidLit TV as a kind of global town square for children’s books.”
• Wonderful coverage from Publisher's Weekly •
‘Making the World a More Colorful Place': Highlights from the 2024 Carle Honors
“Fittingly, a video tribute followed for KidLit TV, winner of this year’s Bridge Award. Founded 10 years ago by Julie Gribble, the multimedia company connects picture book creators with children worldwide through resources promoting a love of reading. The platform also offers access to author and illustrator interviews, read-alouds, interactive drawing tutorials, and other book-related activities, making reading engaging and accessible.
• Celebrating the Fabulous KidLit TV Team at The Carle Honors, The New-York Historical •
• KidLit TV Founder Julie Gribble's acceptance speech •
“Being recognized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art left me speechless.
But let me gather the words that have eluded me to tell you that I am profoundly
grateful and overjoyed to be celebrated alongside this year's exceptional group of
honorees.
KidLit TV, founded ten years ago, is my gift to our children's book community. I want to
thank my husband, Glenn, for his endless support and assistance, especially when
transforming our living room into a tele-production studio.
I also want to share my heartfelt gratitude to my friend Rocco Staino, the host of StoryMakers — whose commitment and love for the kid-lit community is invaluable to us all — and to the brilliant KidLit TV Team, my friends Roxie Munro, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Lesa Cline-Ransome, James Ransome, Leonard Marcus, Pat Cummings, Stephanie Cummings, Steven Raia, Bethany Edwards, Tracey Cox, Megan Cahill-Assenza, Kristen Balouch, Susannah Greenberg, Laurel Nakai, and Danielle & Alicia Allen.
As a child, I wasn't much of a reader. I preferred spending my time outdoors, climbing
trees, riding my bike—anything but reading. Except for books with pictures—those I
liked.I was a visual learner and got lost in picture books, fascinated by how someone
could create such magnificent worlds on a plain piece of paper.
But, my family couldn't afford a bookshelf full of books, and I understand firsthand what it means to grow up in a world of economic inequality.
My grandparents worked hard in Puerto Rico, raising six children. My Grandfather provided a shopping service for families in the hills. When they couldn't get into town, he would take orders for dry goods and food to deliver to their homes. When he was older and couldn't hike up steep hills, he set up a cart outside of the school in Ponce, where he sold pencils, rulers, notebooks, and other school supplies for the children.
He influences the hard work I do today. KidLit TV helps kids and their grown-ups meet
authors and illustrators and learn about their books, even in underserved communities
that don't have access to — or a budget for — school visits.
Thank you to our generous sponsors who allow our work to continue, and to our
supporters, whose virtual and in-person hugs warm my heart and keep me going.
I've always felt like Eric Carle's caterpillar. Today, you made me feel like a butterfly.”
— Julie Gribble, Founder, KidLit TV
Author Tara Lazar asks Carle Honorees:
Considering the rise of book banning in recent times, can you
re-stress the importance of picture books and letting children choose
what they read by having unfettered access to all matter of literature?
Answer from KidLit TV, Bridge Honoree
Represented by Julie Gribble, Founder:
“It’s crucial to emphasize the significance of visual literacy, the positive impact of seeing oneself reflected in the pictures of a book, and the long-term benefits of empowering children to select books that inspire empathy and independence. We can’t afford to underestimate targeted attempts to ban books with LGBTQ+ characters, characters of color, or themes of race and racism.
Here’s what I’d like to contribute to this conversation.
This is a political issue, yet many people refrain from discussing or following politics to prevent confrontation or conflict. However, it’s important to remember that politics will impact you regardless.
Let’s discuss the recent surge in book bans and the reasons behind it.
Sensing a changing demographic led fearlessly by an empathic younger generation who believe in equality, justice, and human rights, extremist right-wing groups are leading the effort to roll back the clock.
As a creator of books that instill kindness and fairness in young readers, you and your books pose a significant threat to an entire political movement. This is a testament to the power of children’s book creators. You’re a force that can shape the future. When these readers grow up, they become voters who are more inclined to challenge right-wing extremism. By limiting the literature available to children, extremist groups are attempting to
control the perspectives and values that young readers are exposed to, thereby influencing their future voting decisions. It’s no coincidence that book bans are often implemented by the same organizations that are restricting voting access.
So, as Michelle Obama says, “Do something.”
Here are a few resources to help us do something:
Vote!
From PEN America: 5 Ways to Fight Book Bans
Do you know when school board elections happen in your state? School boards
play an important role in ensuring students in your schools have access to books, and often have the power to allow or prevent book bans.
Text “READ” to 26797 for more information from Let America Read and to register to vote.
RESOURCES to Help FIGHT Against BOOK BANS & CENSORSHIP!
The above post includes a link to this constructive initiative: We Are Stronger Than Censorship. At the center of this campaign is the pledge to distribute over 2,000 inclusive books to areas most affected by censorship, reinforcing the vital role that diverse voices play in promoting understanding and empathy within our communities.
Let’s be fearless in this fight. Speak up and take action.”
Photo Credits: Johnny Wolf Photography
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