Clothilde Ewing releases new “Stella” book on Black childhood
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Clothilde Ewing, author of "Stella and Roger Can't Wait to Grow Up." Photo: Courtesy of Stella Ewing
The author of the popular children's book "Stella," which focuses on the adventures of a young child of color, has released a new addition.
Why it matters: Clothilde Ewing is publishing her third book, "Stella and Roger Can't Wait to Grow Up" (Simon & Schuster) on Tuesday, telling Axios she is fulfilling a promise to keep creating joyful stories where children of color can see themselves.
Catch up quick: Ewing started the series with "Stella Keeps the Sun Up," which chronicles Stella's schemes to keep the sun from setting because sleep is boring.
- This was followed by "Stella and the Mystery of the Missing Tooth," in which Stella embarks on a quest to find a missing tooth.
- "Why shouldn't the Tooth Fairy be Black?" Ewing asked in an interview with Axios.
Zoom in: Her third title taps into childhood adventure and imagination. Stella and Roger "want to be eight because they think it's better," she tells Axios.
- "It's funny, but it also touches on that universal feeling we all have when we're young — we just can't wait to be older."
- "As kids, we're in such a rush to grow up. But when you reach a certain age, you start looking back and missing the simple joys of childhood," Ewing said.
The intrigue: Her series is part of a movement by Black children's authors seeking to bolster the representation of Black children in literature.
- This movement gained some momentum in recent years with more works receiving awards and spots on bestseller lists.
- Notable authors include Jacqueline Woodson, whose "Brown Girl Dreaming" won the National Book Award, and Chicago-born filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry, author of Hair Love, which was also an Oscar-winning short film.
Context: Ewing is a Chicago-based communications professional who worked on former President Obama's 2012 re-election and was a producer for "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
- She is a mother of two. Her 10-year-old daughter, Stella, and 8-year-old son, Jackson, inspire the characters in her books.
Between the lines: The industry still faces challenges in fully reflecting Black children's joy and everyday experiences.
- "I wanted to change that narrative," she said, noting there was no shortage of books about inspiring Black historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ida B. Wells.
- "Our stories shouldn't only be about struggle or historical figures. Black children deserve to see themselves in stories full of joy, curiosity, and everyday adventures, too."
Reality check: While writing this book, Ewing says she spoke to some friends with older kids, and when their kids reflected on what they missed, it was sad.
- "They mentioned things like blowing bubbles or playing with sidewalk chalk, things they thought they had to give up as they got older."
What's next: Ewing plans to write one more Stella book, perhaps next year, before working on a new project.
- "My son, Jackson, deserves a character he can relate to as well," she said. "That's why my next project is going to center around a young boy, just like him."
Go deeper: Books most targeted for bans in 2023 centered on race, LGBTQ themes
