Number 2 Examining Multicultural Picture Books for the Early Childhood Classroom: Possibilities and Pitfalls

issues in their discussion of multicultural picture books. The authors and the journal editors invite readers to be part of an ongoing electronic discussion of issues raised in this paper. By clicking on this "dialog box," readers may comment on the article. Selected substantive contributions will be posted on this Web site for further discussion. Please join us in this important discussion. Read comments about this article Children's picture books have an increasingly significant place in early childhood classrooms. Picture books that depict the variety of ethnic, racial, and cultural groups within U.S. society (known generally as multicultural picture books) allow young children opportunities to develop their understanding of others, while affirming children of diverse backgrounds. This paper discusses the possibilities and the pitfalls involved in the selection of multicultural literature for use with young children, examines two books featuring Mexican American protagonists to illuminate issues and problems in the images the books present of Mexican Americans, discusses some contemporary theories on race as ways of understanding such issues and problems, and considers possible actions for early childhood educators and teacher education programs to take