#IBKidLit: How We Express Ourselves– Exploring Identity Through Creative Expression

Posted on by Eleanor Duggan

The IB transdisciplinary theme How We Express Ourselves looks into the diverse ways in which people convey their ideas, emotions, culture, and beliefs. Through various forms of communication—be it through art, language, or other creative expressions—this theme explores how we share our identities with the world. It encourages us to reflect on the many channels through which creativity shapes our understanding of both ourselves and the broader world around us. Key questions like In what ways do we express our identities? and How does creativity shape our understanding of the world? invite deep consideration of the personal and collective significance of expression.

In this post, these 3 picture books will help learner explore identity through cultural artifacts, emphasizing personal storytelling through physical expression, and highlighting music as a universal language for conveying emotions and experiences. These themes encourage readers to reflect on their own forms of expression and appreciate the diverse ways individuals communicate their identities and stories.

Bao’s Doll by Bo Lu

Lu, a Taiwanese author, tells the story of a young girl named Bao who craves for “an American doll” that all her friends have, but her Taiwnese mother gave her, in the end, a doll that reflects her cultural heritage. The narrative explores themes of identity and self-expression as Bao learns to embrace her cultural background through her doll. The book illustrates how objects, such as a doll or a dusty tin box, can serve as a means of expressing one’s identity and emotions, highlighting the importance of cultural artifacts in personal storytelling. Bao’s story encourages readers to reflect on how they express themselves through their own cultural experiences and the significance of representation in self-identity.

Bao’s Doll uses visual storytelling to express cultural identity through symbolic artifacts, emotional color patterns, meaningful metaphors, and impactful images that illustrate Bao’s journey towards understanding her mother and her heritage. These elements work together to create a rich storyline that resonates with themes of identity, belonging, and intergenerational connection.

The emotional divide between Bao and her mother

Bao’s Doll 

Written by Bo Lu 

2024, Harry N. Abrams

ISBN: 9781419769214

Every Wrinkle Has a Story by David Grossman

In this touching story, the author explores the stories behind the wrinkles on people’s faces, stressing that each wrinkle represents a life experience and a unique story. This book connects to the theme by showcasing how personal histories are expressed through physical appearances and storytelling. With vibrant illustrations, universal themes, and deeply reflective texts, Grossman invites readers to embrace their journeys, share their stories, and connect with others in meaningful ways. This is a meaningful reminder that every wrinkle carries a tale of love, loss, resilience, and joy, emphasizing the timeless importance of expressing our individual truths. 

Every Wrinkle Has a Story

Written by David Grossman, Illustrated by Ninamasina, #NameTheTranslator Jessica Cohen 

2024, Groundwood Books

ISBN: 9781773068275

Sounds Good! Discover 50 Instruments by Ole Könnecke

This interactive book, with a QR code for each instrument, introduces young readers to 50 musical instruments from around the world. By introducing various sounds, including human voices, and their cultural backgrounds, it highlights the role of music as a powerful form of expression. The exploration of instruments encourages children to appreciate diverse musical traditions and understand how music can express emotions, tell stories, and connect people across cultures. This connection reinforces the idea that artistic expression—whether through music or other forms—plays a crucial role in human communication and cultural identity.

I specifically like how the book emphasizes how music, no matter from which culture background, can express a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness. By showcasing instruments that evoke different feelings, the book tells how individuals can use music to communicate their inner thoughts and experiences, reinforcing the idea that self-expression can take many forms.

The code in the corner links to a YouTube recording of original compositions for each instrument which brings a unique audiovisual experience in reading

Sounds Good! Discover 50 Instruments 

Written by Ole Könnecke & Hans Könnecke, Illustrated by Ole Könnecke  

2024, Gecko Press

ISBN: 9781776575558

O Lanche (The Snack) by Vanessa Prezoto

Wordless books are a powerful way to tell a story, allowing each reader to interpret the images in their own unique way. Without relying on written language, children can explore their emotions, connect with the characters, and immerse themselves in the setting. Engaging with images encourages creative expression and highlights the importance of non-verbal communication.

O Lanche (Portuguese for “The Snack”) follows a young girl, accompanied by a cat and a dog, as she rides her bike to the bakery. Along the way, they were engaged with the little surprises of their surroundings and the simple joys of life. Illustrated with ink, pastel chalk, and stamps on paper by the Brazilian illustrator, Vanessa Prezoto, O Lanche invites children to engage with the story through art, observation, and discussion, making it a wonderful tool for fostering creativity and imagination. 

O Lanche (The Snack) 

Illustrated by Vanessa Prezoto

2013, Tordesillas

ISBN: 9788564406704

More wordless books by Brazilian & international illustrators in Portuguese title (English translation)

On The Tip of A Wave: How Ai Weiwei’s Art Is Changing the Tide by Joanna Ho

Ai Weiwei and his art, as well as the picture book On the Tip of a Wave exemplify the How We Express Ourselves through art in powerful ways. The book tells the story of Ai Weiwei’s Life Jackets exhibit at Konzerthaus Berlin, a striking installation that used thousands of discarded life jackets from the shores of Lesbos to bring global attention to the worsening conditions for refugees (Howard, 2017). Through his art, Ai Weiwei conveys urgent messages about human rights and social justice without relying solely on words. Similarly, Cátia Chien, a children’s book illustrator from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and her illustrations in On the Tip of a Wave use woodblock printing techniques and the symbolic color orange to communicate hope, safety, and the crisis faced by displaced people. By combining visual storytelling with a powerful real-world narrative, the book enables young readers to engage with complex humanitarian issues, making it an essential tool for fostering empathy and awareness.

Ai Weiwei’s broader body of work further serves as a form of activism. As a globally recognized artist and activist, he challenges authority and sheds light on pressing social and political issues through large-scale installations, sculptures, films, and photography. His ability to use various artistic mediums, combined with his presence on social media, allows him to engage with a worldwide audience, sparking conversations and inspiring change. His art transcends language barriers, making his messages accessible to people across different cultures and backgrounds. By blending traditional Chinese influences with modern design, Ai Weiwei pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, demonstrating that communication is not limited to words but can take many powerful and evocative forms (aqua, 2023).

On The Tip of A Wave: How Ai Weiwei’s Art Is Changing the Tide 

Written by Joanna Ho, Illustrated by Cátia Chien

2023, Orchard Books

ISBN: 9781338715941

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

aqua. ‘Ai Weiwei – The Revolutionizing Power of Education Through Art, Activism, and Innovation’. AI News, 3 Dec. 2023, https://aquariusai.ca/blog/ai-weiwei-the-revolutionizing-power-of-education-through-art-activism-and-innovation.

Howard, Cheryl. ‘Ai Weiwei Refugee Art Installation At Konzerthaus Berlin’. Medium, 24 Apr. 2017, https://cherylhoward.medium.com/ai-weiwei-refugee-art-installation-at-konzerthaus-berlin-80f000490817.

Northern Waters Library Network. On the Tip of a Wave: How Ai Weiwei’s Art Is Changing the Tide. Northern Waters Library Network, https://catalog.northernwaters.org/GroupedWork/bc34c4cb-5163-2fd2-ff18-9f56f9190e61/Home.

Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founding Chair of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.

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