The Doll Test: An Interview with Illustrator David Elmo Cooper
Narrated by dolls, The Doll Test: Choosing Equality is a book-length poem by acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by David Elmo Cooper which focuses on the pivotal research of Black psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark. In the so-called “doll test,” they presented Black and white baby dolls to children and asked them questions to determine racial perception and preference. The research showed that segregation caused Black children to develop a sense of inferiority and self-hatred. Kenneth later testified before the US Supreme Court as part of Brown v. Board of Education, helping to bring an end to legal segregation.
Today illustrator David Elmo Cooper joins us to share his process for creating the art for this one-of-a-kind picture book. Read on to find a free educator guide and David’s original sketches!
How did you choose the style you used to illustrate this book?
The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous and challenging period in American history, prompting me to aim for unease in the artwork. To achieve this, I crafted an abstract, distorted portrayal of the scenes, crafting a distinctive visual voice reminiscent to a memory flashback. This involved intertwining my illustrations with warped collages of dolls captured through photography, supplemented by historical images for authenticity and a distinct visual style.
What did you most enjoy about illustrating this book?
I found the research process to be the most enjoyable aspect of creating the illustrations for this book. I immersed myself in searching for the exact dolls used by the Clarks’ in their experiment, as well as seeking out powerful and impactful photography that captured the struggles of this important era in American history. This research truly motivated me to honor the past by producing historically accurate and emotionally resonant illustrations.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced illustrating this book?
The most difficult aspect of working on this book was grappling the inherent cruelty that one group of individuals inflict upon another based solely on the color of their skin. It was a sobering reminder of the harsh realities my father endured during that era, contrasting with the fortunate reality my daughters live in today without experiencing such cruelty.
What is your creative process when working with a manuscript?
After reviewing the manuscript, I start by conducting preliminary research to gain a better understanding of the subject matter. This involves identifying the setting, time, main, and key events in the story. I then re-read the manuscript, taking detailed notes on important aspects such as key scenes and character development. Next, I sketch out rough designs for the main characters and supporting cast. Once I have a solid foundation, I move on to creating quick thumbnail sketches for each page to establish the pacing and flow of the book. From there, I refine my sketches and seek feedback from my art director before proceeding to final illustrations. I incorporate any feedback from the art director in another round of refined sketches before moving on to the final stage of creating the illustrations.
A Sneak Peek at the Artistic Process
David Elmo Cooper generously shares his sketches from his process of illustrating The Doll Test. Take a look and compare the original art to the finished product!
Below is a picture of the vintage Effanbee Twinkie dolls that David used as reference for the illustrations.
Free Educator Resources
The Doll Test features the momentous, yet little-known story of how research from two Black psychologists demonstrated the negative effects of school segregation on children and was used in the Brown vs. Board of Education case. To help young readers with these complex topics, we have developed a teaching guide filled with lesson plans, discussion questions, and more! Download this free guide here or from the Lerner website.
Praise for The Doll Test
“This powerful picture book effectively documents the research that validated the substantial damage to generations of students wrought by segregationist, separate-but equal education policies . . . Suitable for kids, but deserving of a much wider audience, award winners Weatherford and Cooper have created an impactful and compelling book.”—starred, Booklist
“An astonishing and solid purchase for libraries looking for history books about racial segregation.”—School Library Journal
“Cooper’s visuals enhance Weatherford’s assured storytelling, creating a harmonious blend that amplifies the story’s impact. Weatherford’s elegant and relatable explanation of the significance of the Clarks’ work is more than a recounting of facts; this book is a call to action, prompting readers to consider the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.”—Horn Book Magazine
“The text is accessible and direct, but it’s given a particularly subversive quality with its doll narrators, who are somewhat bemused by the idea of separating anyone by skin color . . . The digitally collaged art is, as noted in the illustrator’s note, purposefully distorted and unsettling, with bodies out of proportion and composition off-kilter, reminding readers of the literal imbalance of rights and laws built from white supremacy.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Connect with the Illustrator
David Elmo Cooper is a multi-media artist and muralist based in Brooklyn, New York. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Society of Publications Designers (SPD). His illustrated work includes the NYT best-selling book Marcus Makes a Move by actor Kevin Hart.
Photo Credit: Ari Michelson
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