Ezra Jack Keats is a white U.S. Jewish author who wrote and illustrated children’s books as early as the 1960s that centered their plots on children of color.
As a representative of multiculturalism, Keats intervened with his books in the canon of “classic” children’s literature.
With his character Peter in “The Snowy Day,” the first Black protagonist in a children’s book published in the U.S., the author created an identification figure for countless African-American children. The plots are set in urban areas of the USA and tell realistic stories from the everyday life of children.
Even today, many of the author’s books are recommended reading for young children: the stories are true to life, not problem-oriented, and show children of color as active characters capable of taking action.
The series has published, among others:
Peter’s Chair
Whistle for Willie
A letter to Amy
Pet Show
Jennie’s Hat!
The volumes are written lyrically and illustrated with collages.