Books to Explore and Celebrate Diversity with Children
Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox
This is a lovely story that helps us recognize and appreciate all of the ways we are the same and different from people all around the world. Our homes, food, and words may look and sound different, but on the inside our hearts and feelings can be very much the same!
I Am Human
by Susan Verde
Being human is a wonderful and amazing thing! Though we make mistakes and are far from perfect, we can recognize that there are always ways to make things better. A wonderful exploration about what makes us human and how we can work towards becoming the best version of ourselves! Also check out other books in the series, “I am Love” and “I am Peace.”
The Family Book
by Todd Parr
A fun and sweet celebration of families and the love that they all have in common.
One Love
by Cedella Marley
Inspired by Bob Marley’s song and written by his daughter, lovely illustrations follow a little girl as she brings her neighborhood together to create love and togetherness! I love that this can introduce young readers to the music of Bob Marley.
Little People, Big Dreams Series
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Beautiful collection of stories to inspire young children with the experiences and accomplishments of a wide variety of amazing people. Children love hearing true stories of people who have done incredible things. Pick and choose the stories of people you think your child will enjoy most!
Barefoot Books Children of the World
by Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma, and David Dean
Explore our similarities and differences through the lives of children from countries all around the world! Celebrate how each country is unique by exploring all of our human needs that are the same. Inspire cultural studies of food, homes, celebrations, hobbies, work and families from places all over the world.
We All Went on Safari, Off We Go to Mexico, and any other books…
by Laurie Krebs
Explore Tanzania and learn to count in Swahili! Learn some Spanish on a journey through Mexico! Laurie Krebs takes you all over the world with her fun stories and rhymes.
Written by Anne Nicoletti, Otter Lead Teacher
