Children's Picture Books: Category Exploring Concepts About Race and Culture

Who’s in my family?

2012

by Robie H. Harris and Nadine Bernard Westcott

Join Nellie and Gus and their family — plus all manner of other families — for a day at the zoo, where they see animal families galore! To top off their day, Nellie and Gus invite friends and relatives for a fun dinner at home. Accessible, humorous, and full of charming illustrations depicting families of many configurations (including -- same-sex parents, single parents, foster parents, separated/divorced parents, kids that are born or adopted into families), this engaging story interweaves conversations between the siblings and a matter-of-fact text, making it clear to every child that whoever makes up your family, it is perfectly normal — and totally wonderful.

A full moon is rising

2011

by Marilyn Singer

A collection of poems about the moon

Around the world in one Shabbat

2011

by Durga Bernhard

A colorful adventure that shares the many ways Jewish people celebrate Shabbat around the world

Colors of me

2011

by Brynne Barnes and Annika M. Nelson

Illustrated story of a young child who questions the significance of skin color.

Come and eat!

2011

by George. Ancona

Depicts kinds of food and ways of eating across the world and includes details about the cultures represented in each photograph

Dear baobab

2011

by Cheryl. Foggo and Qin Leng

After his parents die, seven-year-old Maiko leaves his village in Africa to live across the ocean with his aunt and uncle. When he thinks of home, he thinks of the big baobab tree at the center of the village. In his new home, Maiko feels a special connection to the small spruce tree in the front yard, especially when he finds out it is the same age as he is. Like his beloved baobab, this tree also sings to him and shares his secrets. When he learns that the little spruce is in danger of being cut down, Maiko tries to save it

Filipino celebrations

2011

by Liana Romulo and Corazon Dandan- Albano

"Brimming with vivid illustrations and rich cultural background, Filipino Celebrations makes major festivals such as Holy Week, Independence Day, Christmas and New Year come alive, together with family celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and a girl's debut into society. Each chapter discusses the history of the holiday; its cultural influences; how certain holidays are celebrated differently in different regions of the Philippines; special customs, foods, key words and phrases associated with the festivals; and more. Each chapter gives children a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of this island nation. Activities such as games, songs, crafts and recipes invite children to participate in the fun. Filipino Celebrations engages the 5-11 age group in a way that is both informative and fun"--Publisher's description

Giant steps to change the world

2011

by Spike. Lee and Tonya Lewis. Lee

Pursuing one's own path in life takes courage, strength, and perseverance, as demonstrated by such inspirational leaders as Barack Obama, Albert Einstein, and Muhammad Ali.

Goyangi means cat

2011

by Christine. McDonnell and Steve Johnson

An understanding cat helps a young Korean girl adjust to her new home in America

I am different! Can you find me?

2011

by Manjula. Padmanabhan

Imported from India, this clever picture book presents sixteen visual puzzles: readers must pick out the one item that is different from the rest. The phrase "Can you find me?" is shown in a different language on every page.