John Leguizamo Wants New Book “Kiki and the Can” to Uplift Latin Representation in Kid Lit

John Leguizamo, the acclaimed actor and writer, is making waves with the release of his new children’s book, *Kiki and the Can*. This delightful picture book revolves around a young boy named Kiki, who discovers the significance of self-expression after finding a can of spray paint in his community. Leguizamo, who discussed his inspiration and the writing process on the *Wild Card* podcast, aims to fill a notable gap in children’s literature, particularly the representation of Latin children.

During an enlightening conversation with Michael Haggen, Scholastic Education’s chief academic officer, Leguizamo was struck by the startling statistic that less than 5% of children’s picture books feature Latin children. “You’re more likely to see the face of an animal than you are of a Latin child,” he noted. Given that Latin Americans constitute around 30% of the population in U.S. public schools, the lack of representation can greatly impact a child’s self-worth and sense of validation.

“I felt, like, yes. I have been summoned. This is my calling to write this children’s book,” Leguizamo expressed, articulating his commitment to address this deficiency in children’s literature. His determination to complete *Kiki and the Can* stemmed from a desire to foster identity and pride among young Latin children, providing them with characters they can relate to directly.

Leguizamo shared the challenges he faced while writing the book—the process took him five long years. He described it as “the hardest thing,” likening it to the art of crafting haikus, where brevity and clarity are essential. “It’s gotta be so brief, so short, really accessible for a child’s imagination,” he added. Despite the difficulties, he was determined to complete the book, understanding the importance of representation for Latin children.

The actor further elaborated on the emotional scars that children may endure when they do not see themselves reflected in the literature they engage with. He stated, “You have to spend the rest of your life with this scar because you don’t see yourself represented.” This perception can lead to a perpetual struggle for validation, prompting children to seek affirmation through positive self-talk and by projecting their identities onto characters in stories.

Reflecting on the purpose of his book, Leguizamo expressed hope that *Kiki and the Can*, along with other upcoming works addressing similar themes, might help rectify the lack of representation in children’s literature. He believes that books hold the power to transform perspectives and validate experiences, especially for those whose stories have historically been overlooked.

In a statement shared with *PEOPLE*, Leguizamo explained that his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his outlook on representation. Having immigrated from Colombia to New York City as a child, he grew up in a household that celebrated cultural pride. “When I dove into the pages of so many children’s books praising heroes for their greatness, guess who was missing? Us!” he lamented. This personal history fuels his commitment to ensuring children from all backgrounds see their narratives celebrated in literature.

Collaborating with celebrated graffiti artist John “Crash” Matos, a childhood friend, Leguizamo hopes that Kiki’s story will encourage children to take pride in their cultural heritage. He wants to inspire them to recognise that their creativity can illuminate the stories and voices that have been historically marginalised.

*Kiki and the Can*, published by Orchard Books, is now available for readers, marking an important addition to children’s literature. Through this engaging story, Leguizamo aims to instil a sense of belonging and confidence in young Latin readers, assuring them that their stories and identities matter. The book is a heartfelt call to action, encouraging a new generation to express themselves boldly and celebrate their roots.