Critical content analysis of book flood and local picture books in the Belize public library

This project is a combination of two studies that examined picture books. Because the cost of publishing local books for children and purchasing picturebooks is unaffordable, Belize relies heavily on book donations to fill the shelves in schools and libraries. I conducted a critical multicultural content analysis and a decolonizing content analysis on 15 books (a combination of international and local) at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City. This project focuses on the representation in the picturebooks available at the library and the possible effects these books have on young Belizean readers. Using metaphors as an additional analytical lens, results of both studies reveal the impact international and local picture books have on young readers. Implications of this project calls on teachers and librarians to be critical in book selection for their collection and to allow a space for readers themselves to have more speculative experiences when reading picture books with authentic representations.