Celebrating diversity is always important, but it is even more important right now. It is crucial that we teach kids about celebrating differences as well as recognizing the similarities between us. Today I’m happy to share a group of new children’s books about diversity that can help you tackle these subjects with kids of all ages.

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Lulu the One and Only

Written by Lynnette Mawhinney and illustrated by Jennie Poh

This brightly colored book introduces the reader to a young girl named Luliwa Lovington, who comes from a mixed race family. She struggles with the question “What are you?” that she and her brother face all the time. She talks to her brother about the question and he tells her his secret for handling it. The story addresses a difficult situation that children of mixed race families often face. The adorable illustrations highlight the love between Lulu and her family, and the inner strength and confidence that she gains by the end of the book.

Related Post: Celebrating Families of All Kinds

If You Come to Earth

Written by Sophie Blackall

This book follows a letter written by a young girl to a visitor from outer space. She writes a guide introducing them to all that the earth has to offer. From different homes and families, to different bodies and jobs, the text celebrates all of the differences among us. The illustrations are detailed and thoughtful, highlighting all of the things that make this planet a wonderful place to live. The back of the book includes a letter from the author explaining how the idea behind the book came about, the many people depicted throughout it’s pages, and how important it is that we protect our planet and each other.

The Word for Friend

Written by Aidan Cassie

This sweet book follows Kemala the pangolin as she heads to a new school in a new country. But when she gets there, none of the other kids speak the same language. The story shows how she struggles to fit in, until Ana the anteater reaches out and tries to bridge the language barrier. Together, they are able to teach one another new things, and forge a friendship. The illustrations feature adorable animals, and incredibly detailed puppets that Kemala creates. The story celebrates the universal language of friendship and celebrating the things that we can learn from one another.

The Same But Different Too

Written by Karl Newson and illustrated by Kate HIndley

This rhyming book explores the similarities and differences between us through simple opposites. The large text introduces opposing concepts that kids will recognize, such as cold and hot, and gentle and rough. The accompanying illustrations feature a diverse group of sweet looking children and a wide variety of animal characters. Kids will love the way that the kids interact with the animals and compare themselves to them, as well as the sweet and funny ending to the story.

Common Threads: Adam’s Day in the Market

Written by Huda Essa and illustrated by Merce Tous

This mostly wordless picture book follows a little boy named Adam as his family visits the market in his neighborhood. When he gets distracted by a bird, he gets separated from his family. As he tries to find them again, he searches for clothing that looks like theirs, only to be surprised by different people in similar clothing. The vibrant illustrations highlight the many similarities between the clothing in various cultures and communities, which the reader may not have noticed before. A note at the back of the book encourages readers to become cultural detectives and notice the people around them.

Related Post: Children’s Books about Refugees

This Is How I Do It

Written by Matt Lamothe

This keepsake book introduces kids to a day in the life of children from all over the world. In addition to detailed illustrations and snippets about children’s lives all around the world, the book contains writing prompts and spaces for kids to fill in their own information. The book also includes drawing activities, postcards, stickers and a map. Kids will love learning little details about daily lives around the world, as well as comparing the similarities and differences of their own lives to the lives of other children.

Sulwe

Written by Lupita Nyong’o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Sulwe, a young girl who is concerned that her skin is darker than everyone else. She tries everything she can think of to find lightness in her skin, but her mother reminds her just how beautiful she is. One night, she is visited by a shooting star who takes her on a journey through the story of Night and Day. When Sulwe wakes up, she is full of pride for the light and the dark in herself. The beautiful story is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations full of mystical imagery and deep, rich colors.

What are your favorite children’s books about diversity? Share them in the comments below!

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