Lanesa ‘Lena Bee’ Bejnarowicz shares her insights after winning an award for Best Illustration
Lena Bee is a retired Early Childhood educator and a writer who has traveled the globe. She writes children’s books that are very relatable and are designed for use in any early childhood classroom. Lena's use of poetry, repetitive rhyming schemes, and vibrant artwork is intended to captivate the imagination of all emergent readers. With over twenty years of experience working with children in educational and programming settings, her deep knowledge of child development shines through in the stories she writes. Imani and the Fox is a series that engages kids. It captures their attention through words and ignites inspiration through its award-winning illustrations.
What inspired you to write the book that won this PPGJ award, and how do you believe it contributes to the promotion of literacy and diversity in literature?
I am a former Early Childhood Educator and Center Director. I spent 20 years in classrooms sharing my love of poetry and storytelling with my students. Over the years I noticed that there was a lack of diversity in children's literature. I wanted to be instrumental in creating more diverse children's picture books. I dreamed that one day teachers in early childhood classrooms would read diverse books to diverse students written by me. As I homeschooled my granddaughter Imani, I desired to teach her not just reading and writing, but I wanted her to also be socially and emotionally intelligent. In creating a curriculum for my granddaughter I used children's literature with a whole language curriculum and found that my lesson plans wrote themselves. I want to share my joy of lesson planning using my books with other teachers and parents.
In what ways does your book reflect the importance of representation in storytelling, especially for readers from underrepresented backgrounds?
It is my purposeful intention as a children's author to write stories with characters whom children can relate to. I believe representation matters in early childhood literature. Each of my books is meant to enhance children's social-emotional development so it is important that children can see themselves in the situations that occur in Imani’s stories. I want to help underrepresented children navigate adverse childhood experiences through positive healthy interactions.
What was your approach to portraying diverse characters and cultures in your writing, and what steps do you take to ensure authenticity in your representation?
I used my granddaughter as the lead in the Imani and the Fox series because she exemplifies one of the most underrepresented groups in Children's literature historically. Her childhood was heavily inundated with princesses, but Imani always maintained she was a scientific thinker from the beginning. I wanted to write stories about a little girl who didn't fit the princess mold. And by the way, she's black.
How do you believe diverse voices and perspectives improve the literary landscape, and what role do you see your book playing in creating a more inclusive literary community?
This past November I attended an educational conference for Brilliant Early Educators. I hadn't been in years and I wanted to see what was new in early childhood literature. I attended a session called "Meet The Authors!” The panel of 3 authors had no cultural diversity. They made no connections of how their books could be expanded upon in classrooms or shared any direct stories on the impact their work had on children. I saw a missed opportunity. I intend to present a session in the future entitled Meet the BIPOC Authors. Complete with lesson plans with supportive learning activities and opportunities to network.
How do you engage with readers and communities to promote literacy and diversity outside of being an author, and what advice would you offer to aspiring writers seeking to do the same?
I train teachers in early childhood settings. I author and share content on a Facebook page for educators and parents. I present at national conferences for Brilliant Early Educators. I really, really enjoy reading to kids in schools, libraries, and at literary events like Book fairs. I encourage all brilliant early educators to write children's stories because there is a story about children in every brilliant early educator.
In what ways do you see literature serving as a tool for empathy and understanding, particularly in creating a stronger sense of unity and promoting social justice?
I see children's literature as a valuable teaching tool in early childhood classrooms. Brilliant Early Educators use literature to build cognitive, social-emotional, and communication skills. Reading to children enhances vocabulary and provides an opportunity for children to learn about the world around them; real and imagined.
Looking ahead, what hopes or aspirations do you have for the future of literature in terms of promoting literacy, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering greater inclusivity in storytelling?
It is my plan to spread my knowledge of using literature to teach a variety of developmentally appropriate skills in early childhood classrooms. I really look forward to presenting at the next NAEYC conference as well as filling my training schedule for the upcoming school year.
When teachers encourage Social-emotional development for students who suffer Adverse childhood experiences there will be a book by Lena Bee to guide the caregiver as they work with students who feel and express big feelings. In the near future, I will write stories about underserved minority males experiences and how to help them navigate early childhood environments.
“As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for books that will help integrate many skills while also being fun to read. Naptime with Imani and the Fox is one such book.”
“For children who need help establishing an independent bedtime routine, it is an especially excellent choice. Imani will show readers how to distract themselves and become self-reliant by engaging in imaginary adventures, thus enjoying their own company. The story also teaches children in an engaging way how to be respectful and patient, qualities that are so important to instill at a young age.”
“The author’s talent for rhyming makes this book a pleasure to read. And, with bright, engaging illustrations to further enhance the text, it will be very hard for young readers not to fall in love with it!”
- Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize
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