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.
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9 matching books
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It’s Great to Be Kind
"This fabulous new picture book is designed to teach children about appropriate behavior while they enjoy a fun, heartwarming story. This book features a child from Miss Clayton’s class and explores being kind. This story is written in clear, simple text, and Stuart Lynch’s charming illustrations will keep children engaged and entertained. A spread of information for parents, which offers questions to ask children to engage them more deeply in the topic, is included and provides parents with an opportunity to build on the issues presented in the book." -- publisher
The Incurable Imagination
"Audrey has the worst case of 'imaginitis' her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It's clear that her 'imaginitis' is incurable. What's worse, her condition is contagious and soon the other kids in her class start showing symptoms of an equally incurable imagination! As 'imaginitis' spreads, the teachers are horrified and the parents begin to protest too. But perhaps imagination isn't such a bad disease after all? It might even be useful if it makes learning more fun." -- publisher
The Librarian’s Stories
"A town is left in ruins after the bombs fall. The beloved library is turned to ash. Home will never feel the same. But then one day, the Librarian appears in the square. Seated on a bench in front of the library ruins, she opens a book and begins to read aloud. The village children stop to listen. "Foolish woman," Papa says. "Too dangerous," Mama agrees, hurrying the children away. Day after day, as she returns to her post, the Librarian’s stories bring comfort to the broken hearts of the people. Little by little, seeds of hope are planted, and the town begins to heal. Inspired by the true story of the Cellist of Sarajevo, a compassionate musician who played his cello for 22 days to honor the deaths of 22 innocent people killed after the bombing of a bakery during the Bosnian war. The Librarian's Stories is a testament to the enduring connection between stories and hope." -- publisher
Layla’s Head Scarf
"Miriam Cohen's timely story highlights a challenge that many children face in today s multicultural environment. Layla, a new girl in first grade, wears a headscarf but it does not take long for the others to welcome her. Ronald Himler's watercolor illustrations give the first graders distinct characteristics and provide a realistic portrayal of a first grade classroom. (Part of the We Love First Grade Series)" -- publisher
The Itty-Bitty Witch
"Betty can’t wait to be a first-grade witch. But on the first day of school, her classmates start calling her “Itty Bitty” because she’s small and still uses her kinder-broom. Betty doesn’t like the nickname—or how it makes her feel itty-bitty inside. So she comes up with a BIG idea to prove herself: winning the Halloween Dash." -- publisher
Sylvia’s Spinach
" PICKY EATER DISCOVERS THE JOY OF GROWING FOOD AND THE PLEASURE OF TASTING SOMETHING NEW. Sylvia Spivens always says no to spinach. But one day Sylvia's teacher gives her a packet of spinach seeds to plant for the school garden. Overcoming her initial reluctance and giving the seeds a little love and patience, Sylvia discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new. Parents will identify with the challenge of feeding healthy food to a picky eater during family dinner. Educators will understand the magic and rewards of school gardens. Best of all, young readers will celebrate Sylvia's strong will, curiosity, and, maybe, her love of spinach. Katherine Pryor made her picture book debut with Sylvia's Spinach, which has been widely used for nutrition education and school garden curriculum. Anna Raff's many children's books include "World Rat Day" by Children s Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis. Katherine and Anna teamed up for their second book together, Zora's Zucchini, published in 2015. Sylvia's Spinach was named among "15 Books for Future Foodies" by Food Tank and is a Whole Kids Foundation Book Club selection for September 2016." -- publisher
Amadou’s Zoo
"On a school trip to the zoo, Amadou leads his classmates on a wild adventure that blurs the line between imagination and reality in this thoughtful, elegant story. Amadou has waited...and waited...and WAITED for his class trip to the zoo. But when they arrive, his teacher would rather talk about rules and facts. So, Amadou eagerly explores the zoo in his own special way—by allowing his imagination to lead. As more and more classmates follow him into his irresistible world of adventure, the sepia-toned zoo fills with vibrant color. Only one question remains—will Amadou’s teacher follow, too? At once an ode to childlike wonder and patient teachers, Amadou’s Zoo encourages the child and adult reader alike to find connections with the world around them. Based on her own observations at the Ménagerie in Paris, Rebecca Walsh has delicately captured the feel of both an old-fashioned zoo and the modern, diverse class trip taking place within it." -- publisher
Want to play trucks?
Jack and Alex meet almost every morning in the sandbox at the playground. Jack likes trucks -- big ones, the kind that can wreck things. Alex likes dolls -- pink ones, with sparkles and tutus. But Jack doesn't want to play dolls, and Alex doesn't want to play trucks. Readers will smile at the quintessential playground squabble on display in this amusing, relatable tale from Ann Stott and Bob Graham. Luckily for Jack and Alex, the day is saved with a little bit of compromise -- what about dolls who drive trucks? -- and the easy acceptance that characterizes the youngest of friendships. Not to mention a familiar jingle from nearby that reminds Jack and Alex of something else they both like: ice cream!
I am human
A child recognizes his own humanity, his capacity for doing harm and being harmed, his ability to feel joy and sadness, and his belief in hope and promise to keep learning.