Are you looking for books about diversity to read-aloud to your Preschool or Pre-K class? Reading diverse picture books plays an important role in creating a high-quality early childhood experience. 21st Century classrooms embrace diversity in many ways, including reading diverse picture books aloud frequently.
Children’s Books About Diversity for Preschoolers
Long gone are the days of reading a few books about Martin Luther King Jr. or Ruby Bridges and calling it a day. 21st Century classrooms incorporate multicultural children’s books all year long, not just during certain months of the year. These books serve as mirrors and windows, highlighting our similarities and differences in positive ways.
Multicultural Books for Preschoolers
Books that feature diverse characters should be read throughout the year in every classroom, regardless of grade level. It’s crucial for all children to see themselves reflected in classroom literature, and also to help them better understand others who may be different from themselves. This list of more than 20 children’s picture books is a great place to start!
Multicultural Books for Preschoolers
All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold
A joyful book celebrating the wonderful diversity encountered at school. The beautiful illustrations help paint the story of students celebrating each other’s heritage and traditions.
Everybody Cooks Rice, by Norah Dooley
In this multicultural picture book, a sister sets out to bring her brother home for dinner. While looking for him throughout her neighborhood, she discovers that while each family has a different heritage, they all make a rice dish for dinner. This book will help your little learners see the beauty in the similarities and differences all around them.
The Big Umbrella, by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
Using an everyday umbrella, this simple story shows how easy it is to show kindness and include others.
We All Have Different Abilities, by Melissa Higgins
A great book to celebrate people with different abilities who can accomplish everyday tasks.
Another, by Christian Robinson
Vibrant geometric pictures tell a wordless story of a little girls journey through her dreams.
Books That Celebrate Diversity
Our World is a Family, by Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson
Teach children to care for others, no matter where they come from with this very timely and relevant picture book. Just because we may be from different places, we can all celebrate our differences.
Lovely, by Jess Hong
Incredible illustrations to help teach children we can celebrate the loveliness in all of us!
Black is a Rainbow Color, by Angela Joy and Ekua Holmes
Celebrate black history and culture through the eyes of a child.
The Colors of Us, by Karen Katz
A beautiful book depicting all the different shades of skin we have in this world.
Saffron Ice Cream, by Rashin Kheiriyeh https://amzn.to/3JdC6LM
The captivating illustrations compare a young girl’s beach experiences in her home country of Iran to her new experience in the United States after immigrating.
Diverse and Multicultural Books
Your Name is a Song, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A joyful celebration of the diversity of names.
Everybody Brings Noodles, by Norah Dooley
The food we eat highlights the similarities between different cultures and the way we all prepare and eat food.
Skin Like Mine, by Latashia M. Perry
We all have skin, and all skin colors are beautiful.
Dress Like a Girl, by Patricia Toht
A beautifully illustrated book that uplifts and empowers girls to dress in the way that shows who they really are inside.
Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox
A colorful book that teaches that even though we all look different, we can rejoice in the similarities and differences found in all of us.
Celebrate Diversity Books for Preschool and Pre-K
Mae Among the Stars, by Roda Ahreed
An empowering book with a simple story that encourages children to dream big dreams, and adults to support those dreams. Inspired by the life of the first female African American astronaut to go to space.
It’s Okay to Be Different, by Todd Parr
Your kids will have fun identifying emotions as they build self-confidence and a healthy view of themselves.
Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry
The tender story of a father’s love for his daughter and what he’ll go through to make her happy, with a bit of learning to love your natural hair.
Baby Goes to Market, by Atinuke
A loving mother uses fruit to introduce counting to her smiling baby in this rhythmic book with vibrant illustrations.
Sulwe, by Lupita Nyong’o
This whimsical story with a deep meaning will inspire young children to see the beauty in their uniqueness and to love the skin they’re in.
Diverse Books for Preschoolers
I Am Enough, by Grace Byers
Help your kids learn to love who they are, love others, and celebrate each other’s differences.
The Family Book, by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s silly illustrations will help children understand the different types of families they see around them, and encourage them to talk about their own families.
Pink is for Boys, by Robb Pearlman
This book celebrates all colors. The bright illustrations help children see that all colors are beautiful and have a place in this world, while honoring our own unique preferences.
Say Hello! by Rachel Isadora
Celebrate linguistic diversity with this colorfully illustrated children’s picture book.
Bee-Bim-Bop, by Linda Sue Park
The simple rhyming text in this book makes it accessible to all students. A young child’s excitement about helping prepare a favorite family dish cannot be contained.
Children’s Books That Celebrate Diversity
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, by Supriya Kelkar
Harpreet chooses his colorful turbans to match his many different outfits and moods. Struggling to fit in at his new school, Harpreet learns to make new friends around discussion of his turban.
Fry Bread, by Kevin Noble Maillard
The beautiful illustrations in this book show how preparation, cooking, and enjoyment of food brings people together in a Native American community.
Bilal Cooks Daal, Aisha Saeed
Daal is a slow-cooked lentil dish from South Asia. The charming illustrations in this book introduce readers to the many different ingredients needed to creat this traditional dish. The descriptive text brings the recipe alive and showcases how food can bring a community together.
The Skin You Live In, by Michael Tyle
A cheerful story that simply addresses major life themes like friendship, self-esteem, and diversity, teaching children to love themselves and others.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment, by Parker Curry
One of my favorite books about a girl who visits the National Portrait Gallery. As she explores the portraits on display, she is inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama. When she looks into the First Lady’s face she realizes that anything is possible regardless of what may be standing in your way.
