The characters in Keats’ books come from the community around him. Many of his stories illustrate family life, the simple pleasures and more complex problems, that a child often encounters in his daily routine. Children from all backgrounds can relate to a new brother or sister as told in Peter's Chair. Jennie's Hat  illustrates the excitement of a child waiting for a present, and the anticipation of what the present would look like.  

Keats drew upon his own childhood experiences, from having to flee from bullies to taking a ribbing from his pals for liking girls. But these are also the experiences of almost all children growing up in neighborhoods and communities in many parts of the world. This commonality explains the continuing popularity of Keats’ books and characters. 

• Ezra Jack Keats

• Ezra Jack Keats

• Ezra Jack Keats

• Ezra Jack Keats
• Anastasia Suen

• Janice N. Harrington
• Ezra Jack Keats