The star of our book is named after our beautiful planet and speaks to the core foundation of our book: Nature. Deeper than even this, we dived into the Five Elements Theory within ancient qigong (of which one element is ‘Earth’), and found answers to the qualities we wished our centre stage girl to convey. Here we now reflect on why it was important for us to represent a brown girl in this leading role.

Can you imagine a childhood where all of the books you read only featured white characters? Can you imagine growing up in a world where personified characters were always him/he and never she or even at least they? Sadly, that was the reality for a long time. The diverse content simply had not been created yet. Noticing the absence was the first step, and now, thankfully, the situation has changed a great deal. But there is still some work to be done in giving voice to characters of all shades.
We had a strong vision to create a brown girl lead (being brown girls ourselves, it’s not surprising). Knowing we are part of the movement to ensure children feel represented and can find characters they personally relate to within the books they love is a core value of ours.
That is not to say we want every lead character we create to be brown or possess any particular set of traits—it’s about balance and inclusion. It's about ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Representation matters, and it shapes how children understand the world and their place in it.
Our protagonist, Earth, is a vibrant and curious brown girl who embarks on incredible adventures in the natural world. She explores forests, climbs mountains, and dives into oceans, learning about the environment and her connection to it. Earth’s journey is not just about external exploration; it’s also about self-discovery and understanding her unique identity.
Creating Earth as a brown girl was intentional. We wanted to show that adventure, bravery, and curiosity are not bound by race or gender. Earth’s story is universal, but her perspective is unique, bringing a fresh and necessary voice to children’s literature.
As authors, we believe in the power of storytelling to influence and inspire. By diversifying the characters in our books, we hope to contribute to a world where all children feel seen and valued. We want them to know that their stories matter and that they have the power to be the heroes of their own narratives.
The journey of creating Nature Flow has been deeply personal and profoundly rewarding. We've poured our hearts into crafting a tale that is not only entertaining but also enriching. Each page is a step towards a more inclusive literary world, one where children of all backgrounds can find joy, wisdom, and representation.
Representation is more than just a trend; it’s a vital part of education and development. It helps dismantle stereotypes and fosters empathy and understanding. When children see characters who look like them achieving great things, it broadens their horizons and builds their confidence. Conversely, when they see characters who are different from them, it teaches them to appreciate and celebrate diversity.
As we continue to write and create, our commitment remains steadfast. We will keep pushing the boundaries, introducing diverse characters, and telling stories that reflect the multifaceted world we live in. Through Earth’s adventures in Nature Flow, we hope to inspire a new generation of readers who are curious, compassionate, and confident in their own skin.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can create a world where every child can see themselves in the pages of their favourite books and dream big dreams.
Stay tuned for more updates and adventures with Earth and the world of Nature Flow. Let’s continue to champion diversity, one story at a time.
Comments