Our collection of picture books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) is available to the public. *Inclusion of a title in the collection DOES NOT EQUAL a recommendation.* Click here for more on book evaluation.
COVID-19 Info: Currently, our collection is only available via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). However, we appreciate your patience as these services are still limited and you may find inactive links to the Bates Library Catalog and MARC record on certain book pages.
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Krit Dreams of Dragon Fruit
"A beautifully illustrated, Zen-inspired picture book for children ages 4-8 about moving to a new home, making friends, and finding beauty wherever you are. Krit and his dog, Mu, love their beautiful home in Thailand—full of golden temples, colorful mountainsides, and endless adventures. Everything seems perfect until Krit’s mother announces they will be moving to the frigid city of Chicago. At first, Krit tries to adjust to this unfamiliar place, but he can’t do any of the things he used to love. Missing Thailand, Krit asks his mother to tell him a story about home. But instead of a story, she gives Krit a koan—a Zen riddle—to puzzle through. Krit wonders what the story about a blade of grass and Buddha’s smile have to do with home, but in solving the puzzle, Krit meets a new friend and learns that home is wherever he makes it." -- publisher
Teatime Around the World
"A celebration of diversity and deliciousness, Teatime Around the World reveals all the wonderful ways we can enjoy a cup of tea––or two! Let’s go on an adventure to discover new cultures and friends through tea! In this fun and lyrical picture book for ages 4-8, kids will learn how tea is enjoyed in Thailand, Japan, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, South Sudan, India, and more countries! Did you know that po cha, the traditional tea in Tibet, is thick and salty like soup? Or that in Iran, tea is served with a rock? (A rock candy, that is!) Or that afternoon tea was dreamed up in England by a duchess who complained of being hungry between lunch and dinner? With vivid poetry, vibrant illustrations, and unique facts about different tea cultures, Teatime Around the World tells the delightful story of a beloved beverage." -- publisher
The Most Beautiful Thing
"Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with a great deal of love and little money. Weaving together Kalia’s story with that of her beloved grandmother, the book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States." -- publisher
Crayola Chinese New Year colors
What do red envelopes, green fireworks, and golden tangerines have in common? All are part of vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations! Celebrate the culture and customs of Chinese New Year by learning about the holiday's colors through eye-catching photos and engaging text. Back matter features the Crayola® colors used throughout the book and includes a reproducible coloring page.
Ghost’s journey
"When life in Indonesia becomes too dangerous for LGBTQ people, Ghost and her two dads are forced to leave their home and escape to freedom in Canada. Ghost’s Journey was inspired by the story of two gay refugees, Rainer and Eka, and their cat Ghost, with illustrations created from their photographs." -- publisher
Mommy sayang
Aleeya, concerned when her beloved mother becomes sick, remembers and returns the promise Mommy has made to her-- that she will always be by her side.
Beauregard in a box
Beauregard has always had big dreams. He wanted to travel the world and see all the sites, but how could he possibly go around the globe if he was too scared to fly? With the help of one cardboard box and some amazing new friends, Beauregard goes on the adventure of a lifetime and realizes he is actually pretty brave after all!
Dear Komodo Dragon
Leslie, a young girl who plans to be a dragon hunter one day, becomes pen pals with Komo, a Komodo dragon who tells her all about himself and dangers to his species. Includes a section with additional facts.
Is it a mermaid?
Set in the Philippines, this picture book is about a very magical dugong who thinks she's a mermaid.
Kaya’s heart song
Kaya is looking for her heart song - the song that happy hearts sing. Her search takes her on a journey deep into the jungle where a broken down carousel waits for a very special song to make it turn again.--Page [4] of cover