Search Our Database of Nearly 2,000 Diverse Picture Books

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.

Find titles using a keyword search below (e.g. adoption, birthday, holidays, etc.), or by selecting one or a combination of filters on the lefthand sidebar below.

First time here? Start here!

3534 books in the collection

Show Filters

Accordionly

2020

by Michael Genhart and Priscilla Burris

"Three accordions, two grandpas, one family! When both grandpas, Abuelo and Opa, visit at the same time, they can’t understand each other’s language and there is a lot of silence. The grandson’s clever thinking helps find a way for everyone to share the day together as two cultures become one family. This unique book includes a bonus fold-out and a note from the author sharing the true story of his own family." -- publisher

African

2020

by Peter Tosh and Rachel Moss

"African is a children's book featuring lyrics by Peter Tosh and illustrations by Jamaican artist Rachel Moss. The song "African" by Peter Tosh was originally released in 1977 on his second solo record, Equal Rights. He wrote the song during a time of civil unrest in Jamaica as a reminder to all black people that they were part of the same community. The album is considered one of the most influential reggae works of all time." -- publisher

Already a Butterfly

2020

by Julia Alvarez and Raúl Colón

"Mari Posa learns what it means to enjoy being yourself in this stunning picture book about mindfulness by two renowned Latinx creators. With so much to do in so little time, Mari Posa is constantly on the move, flitting from flower to flower, practicing her camouflage poses, and planning for migration. She’s the busiest butterfly around. But does being productive mean she is happy? Mari couldn’t say. The only way she feels like a butterfly is by acting like one. Little does Mari know, the secret to feeling like herself is simply to focus her breath, find her quiet place, and follow her instincts. Literary giant Julia Alvarez extolls the importance of mindfulness, reflection, and self-care for young children in this gratifying picture book. For fans of My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing." -- publisher

Always, Jackie

2020

by J. Patrick Lewis and John Thompson

"The unbelievable yet true story of how an eight-year-old white kid from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, met the legendary Jackie Robinson in 1954—and how the two became lifelong friends." -- publisher

An Ordinary Day

2020

by Elana K. Arnold and Elizabet Vukovic

"It’s an average day in the neighborhood—children play, roses are watered, and a crow watches over it all. But then two visitors arrive at two houses, one to help a family say hello to a new baby and one to help a family say goodbye to a beloved pet. This sensitive picture book takes a gentle look at life, death, the bonds of family, and the extraordinary moments that make ordinary days so special." -- publisher

Ani’s Light

2020

by Tanu Shree Singh and Sandhya Prabhat

"Everything has turned dark. Will Ani find his light again? This sensitive, hopeful story will help kids explore their sadness when a close family member is undergoing medical treatment, while highlighting sources of light that can bring stability during uncertain times. It is also a terrific resource for anyone who wants to understand the ups and downs of coping with a parent’s illness. Ani's stuck in a dark cloud because his mother hasn’t been home. His friends and family try to brighten his mood, but nothing helps. When Mama finally comes back, but with her hair missing, Ani’s light gets brighter and brighter, chasing away his darkness. The unconditional love between Ani and his mother shines through as the two enjoy their precious time together, whether it’s forever, or just for now. Includes a note from the author explaining ways to help a child through a family crisis." -- publisher

Antiracist Baby

2020

by Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky

"With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society." -- publisher

Bad Brows

2020

by Jason Carter Eaton and Mike Petrik

"Hilarity ensues when a boy’s eyebrows go rogue in this riotous picture book from the bestselling author of How to Train a Train. One morning, Bernard wakes up to find that his eyebrows have gone rogue. They’re sabotaging Picture Day, taunting his teacher, and growing, growing, growing out of control! All attempts to wrangle these bad brows just seem to make them angrier and more furrow-cious. Why are Bernard’s eyebrows behaving so badly? And what do they want? From Mike Petrik and bestselling author Jason Carter Eaton comes a hilarious romp about everything your face can—and does!—express." -- publisher

Beautiful Shades of Brown

2020

by Nancy Churnin and Felicia Marshall

"Growing up in the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn't see any artists who looked like her. She didn't see any paintings of people who looked like her, either. As a young woman studying art in Paris, she found inspiration in the works of Matisse and Gaugin to paint the people she knew best. Back in Philadelphia, the Harmon Foundation commissioned her to paint portraits of accomplished African-Americans. Her portraits still hang in Washington DC's National Portrait Gallery, where children of all races can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured." -- publisher

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures

2020

by Nikki Grimes and Elizabeth Zunon

"4 Starred Reviews! Nikki Grimes, Coretta Scott King Award winning author, and illustrator Elizabeth Zunon's latest children's masterpiece creates an imagination-fueled journey to bedtime. It's bedtime, but Mommy's little boy is not sleepy. He growls like a bear, he questions like an owl, he tosses his mane like a lion. He hunts for water like a sly wolf, and hides like a snake. Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet creature in bed so that the whole family can sleep." -- publisher

Search the Collection

Active Filters

3534 books in the collection

Accordionly

African

Already a Butterfly

Always, Jackie

An Ordinary Day

Ani’s Light

Antiracist Baby

Bad Brows

Beautiful Shades of Brown

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures