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.
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The discovery of fireworks & gunpowder
Dao, a red panda, guides Ethan and Emma, two school children, back into time to discover how gunpowder was created in China and how fireworks became popular worldwide. |cProvided by publisher
The tiger prince
When a tigress whose cubs were killed by hunters ravages villages, the king gathers his army but Lao Lao, a seer, advises him to send his son, Wen, to the tiger, instead.
Grandma lives in a perfume village
Xiao Le's grandmother lives in a faraway village. A visit with Grandma is always a special event, but this time she is frail. With encouragement from his mom, Xiao Le plays with and helps Grandma. When Grandma dies shortly thereafter, Xiao Le comforts his mom--reminding her that when it rains, Grandma is washing her clothes in the sky ... and that although the Perfume Village in heaven cannot be reached by train, it can be accessed by the heart. Fang Suzhen's moving story, with stunning illustrations by Sonja Danowski, is a powerful reminder that love transcends all.--Publisher's web site
Shanghai messenger
"You are my messenger. Look everything. Remember." Grandma Nai Nai tells eleven-year-old Xiao Mei as the girl heads off to Shanghai, China, to visit their extended family. Xiao Mei is both excited and apprehensive. She will meet many new relatives, but will they accept her, a girl from America who is only half Chinese? Xiao Mei is eagerly embraced by her aunties, uncles and cousins and quickly immersed in the sights, smells and hubbub of daily living in Shanghai. At first battling homesickness, Xiao Mei soon ventures on her own, discovering the excitement of a different way of life and a new appreciation of her Chinese heritage. When it is finally time to leave, Xiao Mei must gather up her memories and bring "a little bit of China" back home. A lyrical story of adventure, self-discovery, and the strong bonds that tie families together. ~Publisher
The cricket warrior
In order to save his family, a Chinese boy turns into a fighting cricket and becomes the emperor's champion
Grandma Panda’s China storybook
To the delight of her grandchildren, Grandma Panda relates Chinese legends, including the tales of Mulan the woman warrior and Luban the inventor of the kite
Home for Chinese New Year / Huí jiā : a story told in English and Chinese
The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. This Chinese children's story tells a delightful trip with lots of cultural details along the way! Jia Jun's Dad worked out of town all year around. Now it's time for him to come home. He took a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry-boat and even walked for many miles. He finally made it home and had a reunion dinner with his family on New Year's Eve. On his trip, as Jia Jun's Dad was rushing to get home, he lost his apple, water, gloves and scarf, but he took very good care of his gift for his son. During the holiday season, Jia Jun was extremely happy as he was with his Dad all the time. They set off firecrackers, put up couplets and even made snowmen. In a few days, Dad was ready to head back to work, but it was certain that Dad would be home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family.
The bronze dog
This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of two young brothers and a magical dog in both English and Chinese
I have a little lantern / Wo you yi zhan deng long
The little girl left for school at dawn. On her way to school, she met a little spider, a little squirrel, a little hedgehog and a little panda. They were all afraid of the darkness and wondering if monsters were hiding in every corner. Only the little girl was not scared, because she had a little magic lantern. They held hand-in-hand so that nobody would be scared.
I can eat with chopsticks
When Little Mo picks up a small bamboo stick from the bamboo forest, she has no idea that it will eventually lead to one of China's most significant inventions. In this children's story the stick comes to life to help in the kitchen. The little bamboo stick helps Mom pick out vegetables from a bowl of hot soup, helps Little Mo to eat the remaining rice in her bowl, and helps Dad to stir eggs. The stick soon learns it has limitations, unable to easily pick up noodles from a bowl. Little Mo quickly solves this problem by finding another bamboo stick to join the team. As a duo, the stocks can cut buns in half and pick up pork dumplings without any difficulty. Her dad then gives them the name "chopsticks" and improves upon their design.