Content Analysis of Cultural Diversity in Popular Children's Picture Books Borrowed from Public Libraries

This study analyzed cultural diversity content in children’s picture books that were popular in public libraries in South Korea over the past three years. Cultural diversity is the practical tendency to respect all cultural subjects equally. Based on this premise, the study focuses on the important values that cultural diversity provides in early childhood education. The study analyzed 165 of the top 200 picture books in the nationwide public library loan rankings and conducted an in-depth review of 22 books on cultural diversity. The analysis results are as follows: First, most picture book authors were domestic authors, and the main characters were mainly Asians and animals. However, only 13.3% of the picture books dealt with themes related to cultural diversity. Second, the content of cultural diversity in picture books included “The Value of Korean Traditional Culture and Harmony,” “Understanding, Empathy, Inclusion, and Expansion,” and “Redefinition of Sharing.” In particular, the value of Korean traditional culture and harmony was prominently presented, and the process of understanding-empathizing-including-expanding various characteristics and differences, and redefining the value of fair distribution and sharing were authentically demonstrated. This study suggests that picture books play an essential role in enhancing the cultural sensitivity of young children and highlights the need for developing and utilizing picture books that reflect more diverse cultural backgrounds.