I recently came across an Instagram account with username @WorldKidLit that promotes the hashtag #WorldKidLitMonth. How timely! I thought, given this was days ago during the month of September, the same month of the World Kid Lit Month observance.
I’ve been a fan of children’s books since my Gran introduced me to reading as a toddler. Books like Little Women, Black Beauty, Treasure Island, a Little Golden Books first edition of The Poky Little Puppy, and a second edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz were among my favorite stories. I still own these titles, the latter of which belonged to my Daddy. I consider it a treasure.
To quote Meg Ryan’s character, Kathleen Kelly, owner of the Shop Around the Corner, in my favorite movie, You’ve Got Mail, “When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does...”
Reading introduced me to writing, and I am certain I wouldn’t be the person I am today were it not for my introduction to literature.
As an adult with grown kids and no grandkids (yet), my support of children’s literature has been directed toward purchasing books for any occasion that calls for buying a child a gift. I also enjoy supporting children’s book authors, and I’ve illustrated several titles for indie authors.
Over the years, as I’ve learned more about the tarot and used the cards to help inspire my own books, I’ve collected numerous decks. Some of my favorites are those I think might inspire young writers and writers of children’s literature. My new deck, Mystic Storyteller Tarot, would be at the top of this list, but as it’s not available until spring, I’d like to share five additional favorites.
Before I share my list, please read this disclaimer.
Parents, guardians, educators, and anyone responsible for the wellbeing of our youngest minds, please preview all media prior to sharing it with them. Additionally, I’m an advocate for letting adults decide what’s best for their children, and all adults acting responsibly when introducing kids to media.
And now for my list.
Tarot for Kids, by Theresa Reed and illustrated by Kailey Whitman
When
publishes a deck for children, you can trust that it’s top-of-the-line. And this one is most certainly one of my favorites.The colors are whimsical and dreamy—blush, periwinkle, lemon, so fun! And the art extends all the way to the edges; I love a deck without borders.
The figures are diverse and inclusive, and I especially appreciate the details paid toward body types, clothing, and age-appropriate relationships.
“Death” is titled “Change” and “Lovers” is “Best Friends,” which is so sweet.
At 5.5 in X 3.75 in, the cards are larger than standard, which makes them seem more durable. While they might be harder for smaller hands to shuffle, I can see them being easier for kids to spread out and work with across a tabletop or while playing on the floor.
I would rate this deck E for Everyone.
The Dark Mansion Tarot, by Taroteca-Studio
The artwork is stunning! The colors are rich, and each card looks like a storybook illustration.
The cards feel soft and velvety to the touch.
The cards are close to standard size, which is typically 2.75 in x 4.75 in, making them comfortable to handle.
I would recommend this deck for teen writers and authors of YA, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, and manga.
My only complaint about this deck – I’d love it if there was more diversity. The human figures in these cards seem entirely of white European descent.
Some images might be scary for children 12 and under, so I would rate this deck T for Teen.
The Good Karma Tarot, by Kerry Ward and illustrated by Amy Blackwell
This is SUCH a lovely tarot deck! The colors are vivid and playful. They remind me of rainbow sprinkles.
Like Tarot for Kids, the illustrations feature a diverse cast of characters, and every person working with the deck can find inclusive representation.
One of my favorite details about this deck is that the cards are borderless.
The texture is glossy, and the cardstock is a little thin, making them easy to shuffle; however, I’m not sure how durable they’ll be over time.
At 5.25 in X 7.5 in, the guidebook is larger than your average “little white book,” and with 126 pages, the spine is think enough to feature the title, author, and publisher’s logo.
I would rate this deck E for Everyone.
Tarot of the Divine, written and illustrated by Yoshi Yoshitani
This deck features illustrations and stories inspired by deities, folklore, and fairy tales told all around the world, making it one of the most inclusive decks I own and love.
The colors are absolutely stunning jewel tones, perfectly complimented by the cards’ ornate white borders.
The cards are 2.75 in X 4.75 in with a textured linen finish that feels great while shuffling.
Although the guidebook includes a shortened version of each card’s story, Beneath the Moon is a gorgeous companion sold separately that expands on the stories and symbolism. Additionally, there is a Tarot of the Divine Handbook that serves as a journal to this collection.
I would recommend this deck for teen writers and authors of YA, middle grade fiction, graphic novels, and manga.
This deck seems better suited for adults to read with children at bedtime or story time, so I would rate it PG.
The Tarot of Curious Creatures, written and illustrated by Chris-Anne
Human bodies with animal heads surrounded by candy colors? Yes, please!
Included in this deck’s many themes are vintage circus and old Hollywood.
The illustrations are a modern collage style with the figures and symbols exceeding the ornate border.
The cards are 2.75 in X 4.75 in with a silky smooth finish that feels great while shuffling.
I would recommend this deck for all young writers and authors of YA, middle grade fiction, and fantasy.
I would rate this deck E for Everyone.
Let’s do a reading!
Pick the card that resonates most to you, or the deck you like best in my above list.
Now, imagine your next creative project…
Your chosen card’s message relates directly toward what you’re cookin’ up next…
Ready?
The messages, clockwise from the top left:
King of Wands - The Tarot of Curious Creatures - Stay with your creative vision because you’re taking the lead with a fresh, new perspective that others can respect and admire.
Six of Swords - Tarot for Kids - It might seem like a slow journey, but you’re going places and the ones closest to you are excited to be along for the ride!
Page of Cups - Tarot of the Divine - How lucky you are that your new creative endeavor is connecting you with so many unexpected new friends!
The Hermit - The Dark Mansion Tarot - Pausing and reflecting inward means taking the necessary time to give your work your undivided attention.
Six of Wands - The Good Karma Tarot - Yay! You’re not only feeling successful, but all your closest friends are surrounding you with support.
Which card did you choose? How do you feel about your message?
Please share in the comments!
About Mandy
Amanda "Mandy" Hughes is an author and instructional designer who uses the tarot to inspire storytelling. Her book Mystic Storyteller: A Writer’s Guide to Using the Tarot for Creative Inspiration and companion tarot deck are coming soon! She also writes fiction under pen names A. Lee Hughes and Mandy Lee. Mandy lives in Georgia with her husband and four sons, two of whom are furrier than the others (but not by much). Visit her website at www.haintbluecreative.com and follow her on Instagram @HaintBlueCreative.