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.

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3766 books in the collection

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All Aboard the Moonlight Train

2020

by Kristyn Crow and Annie Won

"Fans of The Polar Express and Steam Train, Dream Train will be eager to climb aboard this enchanting, rhyming bedtime story that whisks young readers along on a dream-like adventure through a magical world filled with majestic, colorful animals. Can’t sleep? Then hop aboard the Moonlight Train and get ready for a dreamy, nighttime adventure! A toucan will take your ticket, an elephant is your engineer, you can climb the giraffe’s long neck for a look-out, and a lion will tuck you into your sleeping car with a bedtime story. Ready to join us? All aboard! Children and parents will love the clickety-clack rhythm of this enchanting, rhyming bedtime tale that whisks little readers through a magical forest on the most unusual and wondrous train ever. Annie Won’s luminous, captivating art creates a joyous world of beautiful animals that will delight the youngest reader. It’s your ticket to a perfect bedtime read-aloud." -- publisher

All Welcome Here

2020

by James Preller and Mary GrandPre

"A fresh and beautiful picture book collection of haiku poems about the first day of school. The bus door swishes Open, an invitation. Someone is not sure . . . The first day of school and all its excitement, challenges, and yes, anxieties, are celebrated here in connected haiku poems. A diverse cast of characters all start—and finish—their first days of school, and have experiences that all children will relate to. With gorgeous multimedia paintings-and-collages by acclaimed artist Mary GrandPre, this promises to be an evergreen gift for all preK and kindergarteners about to take the big leap into their first days of school." -- 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

Amadou’s Zoo

2020

by Rebecca Walsh

"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

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

Are Your Stars Like My Stars?

2020

by Leslie Helakoski and Heidi Woodward Sheffield

"In beautiful, evocative rhyme, this lovely picture book helps children consider the colors of their everyday lives . . . and imagine how others around the world experience the very same things. No matter where they live, all children gaze at the blue sky, bask in the warmth of the golden sun, dig in the rich dirt, and watch clouds grow soft and rosy at end of day. Through the eyes of one inquisitive and thoughtful young narrator, young readers explore the idea of perspective, and come to realize that all of us, everywhere, share the colors of the world. The gentle, poetic text and gorgeous collaged illustrations make this just right to say goodnight." -- publisher

As Big as the Sky

2020

by Carolyn Rose and Elizabeth Zunon

"What happens when a brother and sister who share a love as big as the sky must separate? This heartwarming story set in an African village shows that with a little generosity, there’s always a way to come together. In a small African village in Malawi, Prisca and her brother Caleb work together and play together, chasing each other as fast as they can. But when Caleb has to leave home to attend a good school, Prisca misses him terribly. Hoping to earn enough money to visit him, Prisca begs a local peddler to sell her crafts—but no one buys what she’s made. However, thanks to Prisca’s kindness and compassion, her dreams of reuniting with Caleb just may come true." -- publisher

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3766 books in the collection

All Aboard the Moonlight Train

All Welcome Here

Already a Butterfly

Always, Jackie

Amadou’s Zoo

An Ordinary Day

Ani’s Light

Antiracist Baby

Are Your Stars Like My Stars?

As Big as the Sky