I am constantly searching for good children’s books on multicultural experiences, diversity, and tolerance. From my personal experiences raising three kids who are bilingual AND bicultural, I often feel that they need not only physical contact with other kids in similar situations, but also strong characters and role models that share a unique personal background. So…without further ado, these are my top faves when it comes to (current) PICTURE BOOKS (I’ll do one on chapter books later). Enjoy!
Marney Monster’s Magical Book. By L.O.Martins Yeah, I’ll start with my debut book (I know…but it holds such a special place in my heart and with my kids…). This book invites the reader to follow Marney on a journey of self-discovery, as he learns that intolerance is isolating. Through rhyme and colorful settings, the author shares the tale of how a little monster discovers that the world is quite diverse, and how knowledge helps him embrace differences and make new friends. This is a book that works well as an introduction to the topic of diversity, especially for younger readers. Although it has remained under the radar, it is undoubtedly a fun, honest, and organic approach to such an important topic.
Title:Marney Monster’s Magical Book. Author: L.O.Martins Illustrator: L.O.Martins Published: 2017 Picture Book
Yasmin in Charge. By Saadia Faruqi. This is a fun early chapter book/picture book (not quite a picture book, but the stories are short and there is enough illustration that I’ll add it to this list) that follows in the footsteps of previous Yasmin stories (Meet Yasmin). Illustrated by Hatem Aly, the book follows a curious, rambunctious, kind-hearted little girl who is experimenting with her own leadership skills and expectations. In a subtle and smooth narrative, author Saadia Faruqi incorporates religious and cultural elements as the reader gets to know Yasmin and her Pakistani-American family. Entertaining, heartwarming, and educational, we highly recommend the Yasmin books (and did we mention the illustrations are super cute?!)
Title: Yasmin in Charge. Author: Saadia Faruqi Illustrator:Hatem Aly Published: 2019 Chapter Book
Thank you, Omu! By Oge Mora. This award-winning book by Oge Mora tells the story of Omu, a grandmotherly character who cooks and shares a stew with her neighbors. Each character that knocks on her door has unique traits and roles, and by the end of the narrative we get the sense of community, the beauty in sharing, and how pure acts of generosity are also retributed in kindness. The book’s artwork, a mixture of collage of different prints, colors, and shapes, adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the work, making it as much a visual trove of rich elements as a literary treasure.
Title:Thank you, Omu! Author: Oge Mora Illustrator: Oge Mora Published: 2018 Picture Book
Thread of Love By Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal This is an adorable book about a lovely Indian tradition that celebrates the love between siblings. With colorful artwork, and catchy rhyme and rhythm, the book showcases Indian culture and tradition, and finishes with instructions on how to build a rakhi (bracelet offered between siblings). Great for younger kids, this offers children a glimpse into a different culture, people, and country.
Title: Thread of Love. Authors: Kabir Sehgal, Surishtha Sehgal Illustrator: Zara Gonzalez Hoang Published: 2018 Picture Book
Dreamers By Yuyi Morales. Last, but certainly not least, is this gorgeous and touching work by Yuyi Morales. This book tells the story of a mother and her baby, both abandoning a life they knew and embracing many promises in the unknown. They become immigrants when they cross over the border from Mexico to the US, and with it come challenges and victories. The author also shares some of her personal memories and stories as she explains the essence of her book. Personally, the element of multiculturalism shines through in the artwork, with clear influences from Mexican culture and folklore. Beautifully illustrated, and poetically written, Dreamers is truly a work of art.
Title: Dreamers. Author: Yuyi Morales. Illustrator: Yuyi Morales. Published: 2018. Picture Book.
