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In this article, we offer a framework for scholars and educators to investigate issues of power and the right to storytelling in diverse, international books for children. Specifically, we examine the peritext of picturebooks set in Africa to determine how various cultural relationships are invoked in the text. We suggest that there are three broad categories of relationships the creators of these picturebooks draw on to claim authenticity regarding the cultures about which they are writing: (a) spatial relationships, (b) affiliative relationships, and (c) personal relationships. Ultimately, we argue that this framework has the potential to engage scholars, educators, and students in dialogue about the power dynamics involved in the production and consumption of diverse texts.

Fear appeals are often used in public health campaigns in Africa to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS. Based on the extended parallel processing model framework (K. Witte, 1991), this research assessed the impact of such messages in a high-fear situation. A 2 (high threat, low threat) × 2 (high efficacy, no efficacy) experiment with a no-message offset control and efficacy-only conditions tested several predictions. Participants demonstrated high preexisting fear about HIV/AIDS. As a likely consequence, statistical equivalence tests indicated that messages' threat levels had little impact on perceptions of fear or on outcome measures such as attitudes, intentions, or behaviors. It is concluded that the use of fear appeals to persuade audience with high levels of preexisting fear is ill-advised and ineffective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]