May 17th 2024.
Jamaica Kincaid, a renowned novelist and Harvard University professor, has recently released her first children's book in almost 40 years. Titled "An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children," it aims to teach young Black individuals about the world of gardening. Kincaid collaborated with Kara Walker, a renowned visual artist, to illustrate the book and bring her words to life.
The idea for the book had been on Kincaid's mind for quite some time, and she was pleasantly surprised when Walker agreed to work with her. Kincaid shared, "I wrote to Kara, but I was absolutely sure that this was an insulting idea to her, that she would say no. So when she responded yes, I probably didn't read the whole email, I just immediately wrote back." The pandemic played a role in bringing the two artists together, as Walker had developed a newfound interest in gardening and had been inspired by Kincaid's previous book, "My Garden Book."
Their mutual respect for each other's work and their shared interest in gardening led them to collaborate on this children's book. Walker expressed, "Being an artist and Black woman and feeling somewhat isolated...I needed a figure who was not just a friend, that I felt mentored by, in a way outside of the art." Thus, the two women came together to create a visually stunning book that draws inspiration from the Garden of Eden in the Bible.
Kincaid's interpretation of the Garden of Eden as a representation of agriculture and horticulture is reflected in the book. She explained, "There are many layered things about it, but the garden in particular, the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge—I've interpreted the Tree of Life as agriculture, and the Tree of Knowledge as horticulture." This unique perspective adds depth to the book and makes it a thought-provoking read for both children and adults.
However, when it came to titling the book and including the term "colored children," Kincaid faced some pushback from her publisher, who suggested removing the term due to its negative connotations. But Kincaid, known for her bold and unapologetic writing, refused to back down. She stated, "Is them not the word colored? The word colored applies to all. If you're going to use it to designate one group of people, it's all people...White is a color—it's not the absence of color and the rest of us are a color. White is a color, too."
Kincaid's refusal to change the title showcases her determination to stay true to her vision and not shy away from using a term that holds significance in the Black community. "An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children" offers readers an ABC guide to the plants that have shaped our world and delves into their often violent histories. Walker's illustrations add depth and emotion to Kincaid's words, making the book a must-read for children and adults alike. It is now available for purchase and retails for $27.
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