A local digital printing startup is working to restructure the look of children’s literature by changing how the children see themselves.
In 2020, Keepsake Tales began working to create more representation in books.
That vision has come to life and is being delivered, door-to-door, to some lucky readers.
Four- year-old Skylar Pippin was among the stops WRAL News cameras captured.
“That’s me, mom,” Skylar said opening her book. She has cerebral palsy. She giggled and gleamed as she turned the pages to follow the story all about her.
“Skylar sees how other kids can, you know, go run off and play and everything,” said David Pippin, Skylar’s dad. “The fact that she could see herself in this book and see her in her wheelchair and how she’s incorporated throughout the entire thing is great,” he added.
Mile Vaggalis and Erin Burchik founded the company.
“As I was writing this book, I really just wanted kids to feel represented,” said Burchik.
They desire to make sure every child — of any and every race, ethnicity, gender or ability — be seen.
“We believe every child is one-of-a-kind and has intrinsic value, and we think that our books are just such a powerful way to tell that message,” said Vaggalis.
At the Lane household, Atticus, Marlowe and Penelope are the stars of their own stories.
“Hooray!” Penelope shouted as her mother began to read her book. Marlowe was overjoyed that the book captured her big, curly hair. Atticus is an international soccer player in his. Penelope, who has Down syndrome, read along with mom about how she tried to save all the starfish.
“It’s more than just a book,” said Betsy-John Lane. “The kids can see themselves, and they know that they can change the world. They can be that small act of kindness or the difference maker.”
It is estimated that less than one percent of children’s books include images such as this.
Keepsake Tales faced a few barriers along the way but partnered with illustrators and writers across the country to make it happen.
“And we finally had a breakthrough moment about six months ago when we were like, “We are gonna be able to pull this off,’” said Burchik.”Seeing that dream fulfill has just been incredible.”
Stop by stop they’re making an ever lasting impact.
“The books on the shelves in the libraries these days don’t represent all that America is and all that our community is. So Keepsake Tales gives us the option for kids. Whether they have a unique capability, being biracial, being a girl or being a boy, they’re all represented in this text,” Betsy-John Lane said.
David Pippin appreciates “Just knowing that, again, I don’t have to feel different. I don’t have to feel, you know, that I’m excluded from anything, that she can be involved in anything and everything that she wants to be.”
This is just the beginning. Keepsake Tales has a design team on standby, ready to revolutionize bookshelves across the globe.
“It’s not where we’re going to stop. Our commitment is to continue to build our library and to continue to represent more kids,” said Vaggalis.
Parents can order a customized book or provide feedback for characters on the Keepsake Tales website.
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