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Diversity

Celebrating differences as a way to make society better and stronger

Diversity, Community

Who better than Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to teach us that though we may all look different on the outside—deep down, we are all very much alike? Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters. We’re Different, We’re the Same is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike that reinforces how we all have the same needs, desires, and feelings.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 11642 votes, reviews

Bobbi Kates

Joe Mathieu

Voicing Opinions, Black History, Diversity

A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. The alliteration, rhyming, and vibrant illustrations make the book exciting for children, while the issues it brings up resonate with their parents' values of community, equality, and justice. This engaging little book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children to action while teaching them a love for books.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 2553 votes, reviews

Innosanto Nagara

Baby Faces, Diversity, Travel

As everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. . . . And here, from two of the most gifted picture-book creators of our time, is a celebration of baby fingers, baby toes, and the joy they—and the babies they belong to—bring to everyone, everywhere, all over the world! This is a gorgeously simple picture book for very young children, and once you finish the rhythmic, rhyming text, all you’ll want to do is go back to the beginning . . . and read it again! The luminous watercolor illustrations of these roly-poly little ones from a variety of backgrounds are adorable, quirky, and true to life, right down to the wrinkles, dimples, and pudges in their completely squishable arms, legs, and tummies.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2538 votes, reviews

Mem Fox

Helen Oxenbury

Strong Female Leads, Black History, Diversity

Featuring the true stories of 40 women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, Little Leaders: Visionary Women Around the World inspires as it educates. Readers will meet trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, actor/inventor Hedy Lamar, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, architect Zaha Hadid, filmmaker Maya Deren, and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Some names are known, some are not, but all of the women had a lasting effect on the fields they worked in. The charming, information-filled full-color spreads show the Leaders as both accessible and aspirational so reader knows they, too, can grow up to do something amazing.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2419 votes, reviews

Vashti Harrison

Diversity, Friendship

Told with Todd Parr's signature wit and wisdom, It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2395 votes, reviews

Todd Parr

Baby Faces, Diversity

Meet babies from around the world in The Global Fund for Children’s best-selling celebration of diversity and heritage. Full color photographs present children in cultural context depicting babies from Guatemala to Peru to South Africa. Diverse settings highlight specific differences in clothing, daily life, and traditions, as well as demonstrate that babies around the world are nurtured by the love, caring, and joy that surround them. The first in the adorable Global Babies series, this board book is the perfect introduction to seventeen cultures around the globe for the earliest of readers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2291 votes, reviews

The Global Fund for Children

Diversity

A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people. Karen Katz created The Colors of Us for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2242 votes, reviews

Karen Katz

Diversity, Cooperation, Friendship

Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. But he doesn't know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl. In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―simply follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2089 votes, reviews

Laurie Keller

Diversity, Modern Men

An empowering and educational board book that proves colors are for everyone, regardless of gender. Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful board book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages children to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1891 votes, reviews

Robb Pearlman

Eda Kaban

Diversity, LGBTQ

A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone. Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit, and makes a great gift for readers of any age! Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1880 votes, reviews

Michael Hall

Diversity

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion. While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 1831 votes, reviews

Megan Madison

Isabel Roxas

Diversity, LGBTQ

A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for mommy, mama and more! Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this hearttwearming story of family.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1746 votes, reviews

Lesléa Newman

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Carol Thompson

NY Times Best Sellers, Diversity, Diverse Leads

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio. Over 6 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1637 votes, reviews

R. J. Palacio

Diversity

This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over. From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world. Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning in this truly inclusive book. With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers. “My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1338 votes, reviews

Tyler Feder

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Diverse Leads

From New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz comes a debut picture book about the magic of memory and the infinite power of the imagination. Every kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else. Hers was a school of faraway places. So when Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola's imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to The Island. As she draws closer to the heart of her family's story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.” Gloriously illustrated and lyrically written, Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1224 votes, reviews

Junot Díaz

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Leo Espinosa

Family Varieties, Diversity

This fun and fascinating treasury features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each spread showcases one aspect of home life-from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees. Ros Asquith's humorous illustrations perfectly complement a charming text from the acclaimed Mary Hoffman; kids will love poring over these pages again and again. A celebration of the diverse fabric of kith and kin the world over, The Great Big Book of Families is a great big treat for every family to share.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1040 votes, reviews

Mary Hoffman

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Ros Asquith

Real Photos, Diversity

Cocoa, tan, rose, and almond—people come in lots of shades, even in the same family. A perfect resource for starting conversations about race with young children, Shades of People celebrates the diversity of everyday life. This beautiful picture book and its board book edition, All Kinds of People, pair simple text and vibrant photographs to explore one of our most notable physical traits. At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious. Combining lively action shots and candid portraits, Shelley Rotner's photographs showcase a wide variety of kids and families—many shades, and many bright smiles.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 842 votes, reviews

Shelley Rotner

Baby Faces, Diversity

Share the warmth of a smile with these adorable babies! The perfect snuggletime book and an ideal first read-aloud book, this addition to the popular Baby Faces series has appealing photos of multicultural babies and toddlers and a brief, rhyming text.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 810 votes, reviews

Roberta Grobel Intrater

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Diversity, Indian Culture

Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different! Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 786 votes, reviews

Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

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Diverse Leads, Diversity

Princesses with curls wear pearls. Princesses with head wraps take long naps. And princesses with teeny-weeny Afros wear teeny-weeny bows. Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, Princess Hair shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is princess hair. Debut author-illustrator Sharee Miller encourages confidence and pride in this playful, colorful picture book that teaches readers to love every bit of themselves.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 784 votes, reviews

Sharee Miller

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Diversity

In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom. Karen Barbour's dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester's unique vision, truly a celebration of all of us. "This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story" (School Library Journal). "Lester's poignant picture book helps children learn, grow, discuss, and begin to create a future that resolves differences" (Children's Literature). Julius Lester said: "I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details."
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 767 votes, reviews

Julius Lester

Karen Barbour

Diversity, Real Photos

Perfect for the youngest readers, this board book adaptation of the acclaimed Shades of People celebrates the diversity of everyday life. Cocoa, tan, rose, and almond--people come in lots of shades, even in the same family. Skin color is one of our most noticeable physical traits, and this beautiful board book, with its vibrant photographs and very simple text, provides a perfect starting point to talk about race and diversity with very young readers. At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse and joyful groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious. Combining lively action shots and candid portraits, Shelley Rotner's photographs showcase a wide variety of kids and families--many shades, and many bright smiles.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 766 votes, reviews

Shelley Rotner

Diversity, LGBTQ

Heather’s favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, two pets—and two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same. This delightful edition for a new generation of young readers features fresh illustrations by Laura Cornell and an updated story by Lesléa Newman.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 732 votes, reviews

Leslea Newman

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Laura Cornell

Family Structures

From the creators of the picture-book sensation Grumpy Monkey comes a hilarious celebration of families of all stripes! Lots of nontraditional family structures are celebrated in this super-fun and super-accessible board book! Kids will love finding their own family represented, no matter if they have two moms, one grandpa, or just a cousin named Doug. The brilliant creative team behind Grumpy Monkey wanted a simple book they could use to talk with their kids about the different kinds of families they would encounter in the world--so they made this! A silly and positive introduction to open-mindedness and all kinds of family love.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 519 votes, reviews

Suzanne Lang

Diversity, LGBTQ

Celebrate Pride every day with this adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of lesbian mothers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two moms. Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy moms and their kids throughout their day—eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup. With artwork by acclaimed fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, this is a stylish, smart, humorous, family-focused book that will have babies and their two moms giggling as they enjoy it together. It's an ideal baby-shower and first-birthday gift.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 501 votes, reviews

Michael Joosten

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Diversity, LGBTQ

A must-have primer for young readers and a great gift for pride events and throughout the year, beautiful colors all together make a rainbow in Rainbow: A First Book of Pride. This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent’s love for their child and a child’s love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book will bring.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 468 votes, reviews

Michael Genhart PhD

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Anne Passchier

Fathers, LGBTQ

A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for daddy, pappa and more! Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this hearttwearming story of family.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 447 votes, reviews

Lesléa Newman

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Alphabet, Unique Superpowers, Diversity

In this picture book about disabilities, meet 26 real kiddos with diagnoses like autism, hearing loss, epilepsy, and Down syndrome. It teaches young readers that it's okay to be different―in fact, it's what makes us special! Sometimes when you meet a new friend, you might notice they are different from you. Differences can be confusing at first. But when we take the time to learn about our differences, we might find some special ways we are also the same. Based on real children with real disabilities, this inclusion book for kids teaches children that our differences aren't a scary thing! Beth Leipholtz is the hearing mother of a deaf child, raising her son, Cooper, bilingually in both hearing and Deaf cultures. On Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, she has built an online community of more than 1 million people to uplift parents on similar journeys and advocate for inclusion and accessibility. This disability inclusion book for kids introduces children with: hearing loss anxiety autism cerebral palsy Down syndrome epilepsy and more! Elementary school teachers and childcare workers will love using this book to teach children about kids with disabilities with empathy. We live in a big world―let's make it an accepting and accessible one for our children.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 415 votes, reviews

Beth Leipholtz

Anastasiya Kanavaliuk

Counting, Diversity

Counting on Community is Innosanto Nagara's follow-up to his hit ABC book, A is for Activist. Counting up from one stuffed piñata to ten hefty hens--and always counting on each other--children are encouraged to recognize the value of their community, the joys inherent in healthy eco-friendly activities, and the agency they posses to make change. A broad and inspiring vision of diversity is told through stories in words and pictures. And of course, there is a duck to find on every page!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 396 votes, reviews

Innosanto Nagara

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Diversity

Carmelita loves to greet everyone in her colorful neighborhood. There are people from so many different cultures! They all like to say hello too, so now Carmelita can say hello in Spanish, English, French, Japanese, and many other languages. And her dog, Manny? Well, he seems to understand everyone, and gives a happy "Woof!" wherever he goes. Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora's eyecatching collages are full of kid-friendly details like colorful storefronts, pigeons and an ice cream truck, making Carmelita's neighborhood fun to explore. Emphasizing the rich diversity of America's neighborhoods, this simple portrait of a child's day provides a great introduction to the joy of language.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 357 votes, reviews

Rachel Isadora

Alphabet, Diversity

An ABC book celebrating and inspiring diversity A Is for All the Things You Are: A Joyful ABC Book is an alphabet board book developed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture that celebrates what makes us unique as individuals and connects us as humans. This lively and colorful book introduces young readers, from infants to age seven, to twenty-six key traits they can explore and cultivate as they grow. Each letter offers a description of the trait, a question inviting the reader to examine how he or she experiences it in daily life, and lively illustrations. The book supports understanding and development of each child's healthy racial identity, the joy of human diversity and inclusion, a sense of justice, and children's capacity to act for their own and others' fair treatment.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 346 votes, reviews

Anna Forgerson Hindley

Keturah A. Bobo

Diversity, LGBTQ

The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return—and finds a new friend—at a wedding to be remembered. Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side. Jessica Love returns with a joyful story of friendship and individuality in this radiant follow-up to Julián Is a Mermaid.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 339 votes, reviews

Jessica Love

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Being Yourself, Diversity

Celebrate the uniqueness of each and every child, or monster, in this interactive board book that invites little hands to open flaps and explore touchable elements. 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, 1st Place, Category: Special Needs/Disability Awareness 2018 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, 2nd Place, Category: Charity/Making a Difference Look at the people all around you. No two people are the same! Some have freckles. Some wear glasses. Some may even use a wheelchair to get around. Join Elmo and his friends as they celebrate everyone's differences in this interactive book with flaps to lift and textures to feel on every page! Featuring the new character Julia!
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 293 votes, reviews

Leslie Kimmelman

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Diversity, Multi-Language

Bonjour! Ca va? Say hello to international babies as you tour the world from morning to nighttime. The journey starts on a sunny day in New York City and ends on a beautiful San Francisco night, with stops in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Cape Town, Cairo, Beijing, and Tokyo. These friendly babies welcome us to their cities with delightful greetings in their original languages (with English translations) in a simple narration that will appeal to any global mini citizen.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 250 votes, reviews

Puck

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Violet Lemay

Being Yourself

Lauren Grabois Fischer's 1st book in her children's book series is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) book that truly welcomes every child as they are. A fun rhyming book that reminds everyone to be true to themselves, dream big, and stand tall and be proud of who you are. As all of her books do, the diversity among the characters is a beautiful way to begin the conversation of acceptance, kindness, and respect.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 205 votes, reviews

Lauren Grabois Fischer

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Devin Hunt

LGBTQ, Adoption

Having Two Dads is double the fun! Many families are different, this family has Two Dads. A beautifully illustrated, affirming story of life with Two Dads, written from the perspective of their adopted child.Featured as a recommended book to buy in Gay Times Magazine, Huffington Post, Diva Magazine, New Family Social, Adoption UK Magazine."uses heartwarming illustrations and delightful rhymes to celebrate the beauty found in all kinds of families — particularly those on the LGBT spectrum.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 190 votes, reviews

Carolyn Robertson

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Sophie Humphreys

Diversity, LGBTQ

Celebrate Pride every day with this adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of gay fathers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two dads. Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy dads and their kids throughout their day—eating breakfast, getting dressed, heading out to the park, and settling back in at night with a bubble bath and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup. With artwork by acclaimed fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, this is a stylish, smart, humorous, family-focused book that will have babies and their two dads giggling as they enjoy it together. It's an ideal baby-shower and first-birthday gift.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 170 votes, reviews

Michael Joosten

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Izak Zenou

Diversity

Big, small, curly, straight, loud, quiet, smooth, wrinkly. Lovely explores a world of differences that all add up to the same thing: we are all lovely!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 169 votes, reviews

Jess Hong

Diversity

With bold, colorful graphics and poetic rhyme, this is a stunning tribute to every kind of hair, perfect for fans of Hair Love. Covered hair, Bun Hair, Party Hair… No matter your hair—YOU are welcome anywhere! Author and lifestyle blogger, LaTonya Yvette makes her children’s book debut with a must-have gift purchase for any occasion alongside art from award-winning illustrator Amanda Jane Jones.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 105 votes, reviews

LaTonya Yvette

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Amanda Jane Jones

Diversity, Community

An elevator ride to a birthday party turns into a shared experience bursting with joy in this multicultural story about community, togetherness and the special feeling of belonging. Today is Olive’s birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie’s dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops to let the Santucci brothers get on. Then on the next floor, Vicky, Babs and their dog, Norman, get in. And as the elevator ascends, it keeps stopping, and more neighbors squeeze in to the crowded space: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan, Vi Tweedle with her Chihuahua, Minx. Everyone is going to the party! Playfully combining the excitement and anticipation of a party with children’s universal love of riding in elevators, Sherry J. Lee’s picture book story is ultimately about community and a sense of belonging. With characters from many cultural backgrounds, it showcases the everyday diversity that many urban children experience. Charlene Chua’s illustrations provide loads of funny details and visual narratives that aren’t in the text, making for a multilayered reading experience. The book’s tall, narrow trim size adds to the effect of the rising elevator.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 73 votes, reviews

Sherry J. Lee

Charlene Chua

Diversity

A successor to the popular Children Around the World written and illustrated by Donata Montanari, this book allows young readers to visit with fourteen children, each from a different country, to learn about their families. Based on real children, each one's story fills a two-page spread and is told in the first person, beginning with a greeting in the child's native language. From Ryan, who lives on a Texas cattle farm, to Nkoitoi, who tends the family goat in Kenya, to Baatar, who moves regularly with his nomadic family in Mongolia, there is a vast range of homes, locations, customs and activities presented here, all of it enthusiastically illustrated with bright colors and vivid detail by illustrator Jessica Rae Gordon. There is variety in the heads of the families as well: a single parent, multiracial parents and same-sex parents are all represented. For all the children's different experiences, however, it is clear how much their lives have in common with one another, and likely with the book's readers. The love they have for their family members, the joy they find in play and the beauty they see around them wherever they live are experiences that cross borders. This is a wonderful, uplifting global studies title perfect for exploring cultures and geography. It would also be useful for a social studies unit on families and family relationships. Adding to its value as a teaching tool are suggestions for lesson plans built around the book, as well as a glossary and pronunciation guide for foreign words.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 52 votes, reviews

Margriet Ruurs

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Voicing Opinions, Diversity, Love of Reading

Introduction for babies and toddlers to key lessons learned through infamously banned books Baby's First Book of Banned Books By Laura Korzon is a unique new board book from Mudpuppy that introduces beloved classics and cherished stories like The Diary Of Anne Frank and To Kill A Mockingbird to little learners. Early Learning – Provide young children with a captivating and engaging way to learn key lessons from infamous classic banned books. Bright and Bold Artwork – Simple yet bright and bold illustrations with simple yet powerful messages, the book contains a glossary and explanation of each book featured. Perfect Size - Small 7” x 7” board book with 30 pages is just the size for little hands.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 47 votes, reviews

Mudpuppy

Laura Korzon

Diversity, Being Yourself

I’ve got some green, I’ve got some blue. Some have asked, “So what are you?” Not quite blue, not fully green. I’m something new. I’m in-between. This joyful and introspective picture book about navigating biracial identity follows a blue-green narrator on a journey of self-discovery. Written in playful rhyme, Mostly Me is an ode to readers of all ages that have felt out of place, questioning who they are. Navigating oft-asked questions like “Who am I? Do I belong?”, readers discover the most empowering answer of all: “I’m mostly me.” Written and illustrated by two biracial storytellers, author Collin Hall and artist Crystal Dawn Chaffee, this book creates a vibrant and uplifting message for anyone who feels like they're in-between. “Beautifully written and illustrated, charming and uplifting. I wish I had this book growing up. Mostly Me is a simple yet profound story of who we are and the questions we’re so often asked (and ask ourselves), told in a whimsical and memorable way.” — Jo Ling Kent, CBS News, Senior Business and Tech Correspondent
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 28 votes, reviews

Collin Hall

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Crystal Dawn Chaffee

Food, Diversity

A mouth-watering, multicultural board book for little foodies and their loved ones, celebrating dumplings from kitchens all over the world! There are so many different kinds of dumplings to love! In this sweet rhyming board book, the youngest of readers are introduced to traditional dumplings eaten all over the world, from bao to pierogi, samosa, and more! Featuring more than thirty different dumplings, plus an illustrated guide to pronunciation and associated regions, this multicultural board book is just right for sharing diverse culinary traditions and fostering a love of good food with little ones. Everyone is welcome at this dumpling celebration!
average rating is 4.3 out of 5, based on 20 votes, reviews

Jekka Kuhlmann

Manita Boonyong

Diversity

On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool! Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies. Everybody is welcome at our pool! Get ready for swimming and splashing, zigzagging and dunking, and racing and laughing.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 14 votes, reviews

Lucy Ruth Cummins

Diversity, Unique Superpowers

From bestselling author Annie Barrows and Pura Belpré Honor award recipient Leo Espinosa, this funny yet thought-provoking picture book offers a sequence of outlandishly fun compare-and-contrasts that show how humans are much more like each other than we are different. A NEW WAY OF SEEING: The use of comparison and contrast gives readers a new lens through which to see themselves and others. HUMOR WITH HEART: Annie Barrows uses her trademarked humor to get readers laughing and thinking. GREAT READ-ALOUD: The silly and surprising text is the perfect read-aloud for homes and classrooms.
average rating is 4.4 out of 5, based on 7 votes, reviews

Annie Barrows

Leo Espinosa

Diversity

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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