An Angel Just Like Me

This cleverly constructed story deals with an aspect of cultural deprivation experienced by black children, namely the absence of black images relating to Christmas and the corresponding preponderance of Euro-centric images on Christmas cards and gift paper etc. as well as angels that decorate Christmas trees.

Whilst his mum and dad are decorating the family Christmas tree, Tyler, their young son, wonders why the angel decoration always has to be a girl and a white girl at that? Why not a black angel to match their own complexions? He sets off on a shopping expedition to find such an angel, but in vain. And that is where Santa Claus (or rather Carl, an art student friend of the family playing the part of Santa in a departmental store) steps in and solves the problem. Poor Carl however has his work cut out for him thereafter, for now all of Tyler’s friends – from a variety of ethnic backgrounds – want angels that look like them. Van Wright and Ying-Hwa collaborate to create attractive illustrations that convey the warmth of the background family life and the excitement of the festive season. A good story with a thought-provoking multi-cultural slant.