Mariko Clark, an author and former National Geographic Learning editor, engages in a thoughtful discussion about her book, The Book of Belonging. She shares insights on the importance of inclusive storytelling, especially for young readers. The challenges of navigating faith and parenting in a world of reexamination are explored, along with instilling values of love and belonging in children. Mariko also highlights how illustrations in the book can foster empathy and understanding, bridging complex emotions with accessible narratives.
Mariko Clark's motivation for 'The Book of Belonging' arose from her daughter's concerns about inadequate female representation in existing story Bibles.
The collaborative process involved input from a diverse advisory panel, ensuring that the storytelling in the book is both culturally appropriate and historically accurate.
The book aims to foster emotional complexity in children, empowering them to embrace their feelings and cultivate a resilient faith grounded in identity and acceptance.
Deep dives
The Need for Inclusive Resources for Children
Finding quality resources for children that include diverse representation can be quite challenging for parents. This podcast episode emphasizes the struggles many parents face in conveying their faith to their kids using materials that resonate with their own beliefs. A common theme is the scarcity of resources that accurately reflect the diverse narratives found in biblical texts, particularly in terms of gender representation. Mariko Clark's upcoming book, 'The Book of Belonging,' is highlighted as a valuable resource targeted at addressing these gaps.
The Inspiring Story Behind 'The Book of Belonging'
Mariko Clark shares her motivation for writing 'The Book of Belonging,' which stemmed from a poignant conversation with her daughter about gender representation in their existing story Bible. This moment inspired Mariko to analyze various story Bibles, revealing a staggering lack of female representation, averaging only 19% of stories featuring female main characters. As a response to the disappointing findings, Mariko decided to create her own book that would better reflect the identities and experiences of children. The book is crafted as a 'story Bible for kind and contemplative kids,' focusing on wonder, identity, and inclusive narratives.
Collaborating with Experts for Authentic Representation
The podcast delves into the collaborative process behind 'The Book of Belonging,' where Mariko sought input from a diverse panel of advisors during the creation of the book. This panel included experts in various fields, such as Hebrew language, New Testament studies, and womanist theology, ensuring that the stories were not only engaging but also historically accurate and culturally appropriate. They worked to incorporate a nuanced understanding of biblical narratives while avoiding stereotypes and oversimplifications. The contributions of these experts enriched the storytelling, allowing for a multi-dimensional approach that emphasizes emotional complexity and authenticity.
Fostering Emotional Complexity and Mindfulness in Children
'The Book of Belonging' aims to teach children about the importance of emotional complexity and mindfulness through its narratives. Mariko discusses the value of representing a broad spectrum of emotions in biblical stories, encouraging children to understand that feelings like anger are not inherently negative. The book includes 'mindful moments' that invite children to reflect on their feelings and experiences, fostering a deeper connection to their faith. This approach empowers children to embrace their emotions and cultivate a spiritual life rooted in reflection and understanding.
Encouraging Resilient and Inclusive Faith
The ultimate goal of 'The Book of Belonging' is to instill a resilient faith in children by affirming their identity as loved and accepted by God. Mariko emphasizes the importance of regularly communicating to children that they belong, are delightful, and are valued, which builds a strong foundation for their self-worth. This message is intended not only to help children navigate challenges but also to encourage empathy and understanding towards others. The podcast concludes with a vision for a future where children's resources reflect the richness of God’s love and the diverse experiences of faith.
Brent Billings and Elle Grover Fricks are joined by special guest Mariko Clark, author of The Book of Belonging. She is a mother and a storyteller, and her time as an editor of National Geographic Learning enabled her to make complex topics accessible and engaging. She and her husband live outside of Indianapolis with their three kids.
