Having a multicultural family means that we are very aware of celebrating and honoring our cultures, traditions, and raising a daughter with global awareness.  Even if your family isn't multicultural, you can still raise children that are aware of the world beyond their neighborhood.  These books celebrate diverse families and can help your children gain a bigger perspective on the differences in families.  Some of these books we own, others are on the to buy list.  Check out the list below:

 

Kids Books That Celebrate Diverse Families

1. Families

 Though we don't own this book, it is on my list as it's a teacher pick and has so many rave reviews.  I love that it depicts ALL types of families and to me this is very important as we want to raise a an inclusive child.  It's definitely a win in my book.

 

Concept:

Families,big or small, similar or different-looking, there are all kinds of families.
Celebrate diversity with this picture book for very young children about the many faces of contemporary families. Bright photographs by National Geographic photographer Shelley Rotner capture families having fun together, enjoying all the ways they are similar and different. 

Some families have one parent, and some have two; some have aunts and uncles and grandparents living with them. Some have adopted children, some have children born to them. Whether they live all together or far apart, families love and care for each other.

Designed to showcase the wide variety of modern families and spur discussions about young readers' own family history, this beautiful picture book is a must-have for children beginning to learn about the world and the people around them.

Book Info:

Page Number: 32 pages

Type of Books: Paperback, Hardcover

Language: English

Reading Ages: 3 to 6 years old

 

2.  I Am Whole

A Multi-Racial Children's Book Celebrating Diversity, Language, Race and Culture

A cute book that embraces being multicultural.  Though we don't own this one, it would be a nice addition to add to our library and it's available on Kindle so that would be my pick.

 

Concept:

I Am Whole is a delightful picture book to celebrate children of mixed backgrounds and cultures. Written with love to embrace the differences that come with being multi-racial, including language, family and cultural traditions. This book encourages children to embrace their diversity and recognize that such differences make us whole. A fun rhythmic read aimed at children aged 0-7

 

Book Info:

Page Number: 24 pages

Type of Books: Kindle, Paperback

Language: English

 

 3. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family

For many years, my husband and I lived in an eclectic neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY where many Middle Eastern families lived.  We learned a lot about their culture, their foods, and traditions while we were there.  My daughter and I would go on neighborhood walks and we'd see women wearing hijabs (face coverings) or burqas (body coverings).  It became familiar to my young daughter and I love that this book teaches young kids about being different and finding strength when you look different and people may not understand your background.

Concept:

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

 

Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

Book Info:

Page Number: 40 pages

Type of Books: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback, Hardcover

Language: English

Reading Ages: 4 to 8 years old

 

4.  Festival of Colors

How do I know about the festival of colors?  Instagram.  I remember looking at some amazing pictures of people in India covered in these bright colors with pure joy and I thought what an amazing event.  Now I see the Festival of Colors celebrated locally and I'd think it'd be a fun event to attend with my daughter.  This book teaches about this Indian festival, the preparation and how family and friends gather to celebrate more than just colors.

Concept:

Learn all about Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, in this lush picture book from bestselling mother/son duo Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal.

 

Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!

Book Info:

Page Number: 32 pages

Type of Books: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Board book

Language: English

Reading Ages: 2 to 8 years old

 

5.  We're Different, We're the Same

I love this book!  It's inexpensive, well written, and the message is beautiful.  It shows kids in simple terms how even though we look different there are many things that make us the same.  Truly, a must own book for every household.

My daughter loved it because she's familiar with the Sesame Street characters so she immediately embraced the book.

 

Concept:

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.

Book Info:

Page Number: 32 pages

Type of Books: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Board book

Language: English

Reading Ages: 3 to 7 years old

 

6.  Children Just Like Me: A new celebration of children around the world

I love this book and my daughter looks this book too.  This book shares and highlights of different children's lives from around the world.  My daughter picks 2-3 kids to learn about and we both learn interesting facts, like did you know that in South Korea children don't go to school until the age of 8?  So fun and interesting, your child will love this book.  Plus they're learning geography too.

Concept:

Highlighting 36 different countries, Children Just Like Me profiles 44 children and their daily lives. From rural farms to busy cities to riverboats, this celebration of children around the world shows the many ways children are different and the many ways they are the same, no matter where they live.

 

Meet Bolat, an eight-year-old from Kazakhstan who likes to cycle, play with his pet dogs, and play the dromba; Joaquin from New Jersey who enjoys reading and spending time with his family, and whose favorite food is bacon; or Yaroslav from Moscow who likes to make robots. Daily routines, stories of friends and family, and dreams for the future are spoken directly from the children themselves, making the content appropriate and interesting to draw in young readers.

Book Info:

Page Number: 80 pages

Type of Books: Kindle,Hardcover

Language: English

Reading Ages: 7 to 10 years old

 

7.  This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World

A little similar to the concept from Children Just Like Me, this book highlights 7 kid's live in more detail.  It is also an illustrated book and not a photo book.  This is another great addition to your home library or classroom as kids can talk about the similarities and differences that exist between them and children around the world.

 

 

Concept:

In Japan, Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda, Daphine likes to jump rope. While the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them.

 

This genuine exchange provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as mirrors reflecting our common experiences. Inspired by his own travels, Matt Lamonthe transports readers across the globe and back with this luminous and thoughtful picture book.

Perfect for kids learning about new cultures and customs

Educates children on the importance of similarities and differences

Gives kids a unique look into the lives of others across the globe

Book Info:

Page Number: 52 pages

Type of Books: Kindle, Hardcover

Language: English

Reading Ages: 5 to 8 years old

 

8. Families Around the World

Families are different.  Their customs and traditions are different, what they look like, and how they go about their lives.  This book highlights 14 different families.  Another great family book that will get a global conversation started early in the home and in the classroom.

 

Concept:

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.

Book Info:

Page Number: 40 pages

Type of Books: Paperback, Hardcover

Language: English

Reading Ages: 3 to 7 years old

 

Like the blog?  Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you are in the know with the latest blog post, shop and podcast news.