Our intention is to acquire and make available ALL picture books featuring indigenous people and people of color published in the U.S. since 2002, including reprints. Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL recommendation. See our related readings page for suggested links for evaluating books.
Maya
"The electricity in Maya's house has gone out again. Worse, she is afraid of the dark--and her fear has been even worse since her father died. Now it feels as if the darkness will never go away. Maya's mother distracts her with a legend about the banyan tree, which saved the world from the first monsoon by drinking up the floodwaters, and growing tall and strong. Later that night, unsettled by the noises around her, Maya revisits the story in her imagination. She ventures deep into the banyan tree, where she discovers not darkness but life: snakes slither, monkeys laugh, and elephants dance. Maya pushes her imagination even further to call up memories of her father, helping to soothe her fear and grief"--Front jacket flap
The secret kingdom
The incredible story of the world's largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years
The enduring ark
Retells the biblical tale of Noah's ark through an Indian adaptation illustrated in the Bengal Patua style of scroll painting
Pattan’s pumpkin
"Pattan has an amazing pumpkin. It grows bigger than the goats, bigger than the elephants... so BIG that it is as TALL as the mountains. Then one day, the storm clouds burst and the waters rise. Pattan, his family, and all the animals are in danger from the momentous flood. Can Pattan and his giant pumpkin save the day? Based on a traditional tale told by the Irula people of southern India"--Dust jacket
A village is a busy place!
"This activity book in the Bengal Patua style of scroll painting depicts the everyday world of the Santhal people, who are amongst India's largest indigenous communities"-- Back cover
Milky Way
Tashi is worried about his friend, the Moon. He seems thinner than usual. Maybe the Moon's Amma-ley isn't giving him enough to eat? Tashi decides to help his friend. And what does the Moon have to say? Well, he just smiles his special smile--eyes closed and no teeth showing. Set in the remote mountains of Ladakh in India, Milky Way is a sweet tale of friendship between a boy and the moon. The story highlights the importance of the moon in Tibetan Buddhism and showcases elements of Himalayan cultures, including their delectable cuisine
Festival of colors
Siblings Chintoo and Mintoo collect flowers and press the petals into a fine powder as they prepare for Holi, the Indian springtime Festival of Colors. Includes author's note
Anklet for a princess
Cinduri, hungry and ragged, is befriended by Godfather Snake, who feeds her delicacies and dresses her in gold cloth and anklets with bells and diamonds, to meet the prince
My dadima wears a sari
Two young sisters raised in America learn about the beauty and art of wearing a sari from their wise Indian grandmother. Includes instructions on wrapping a sari
The story of Divaali
Retells the Hindu tale of a heroic prince and his bride who are separated by the demon prince Ravana until the Monkey Army of Hanuman, god of the wind, helps them. Includes facts about Divaali, the festival celebrating Rāma and Sītā's return to their kingdom