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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3534 books in the collection

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Creek Critters

2020

by Jennifer Keats Curtis and Phyllis V. Saroff

"Do you like scavenger hunts? How do you tell if creek water is clean and healthy? Join Lucas and his sister as they act like scientists looking for certain kinds of stream bugs (aquatic macroinvertebrates) that need clean, unpolluted water to survive. What will they find as they turn over rocks, pick up leaves and sort through the mud? Read along to find out if their creek gets a passing grade." -- publisher

Dads

2020

by John Coy and Wing Young Huie

"elebrate all that fathers do: building, fixing, cooking, cleaning, laughing, crying, hugging, playing and more! John Coy and Wing Young Huie—the author and photographer behind Their Great Gift—reunite for a new book that shows a wide range of fathers and children, particularly highlighting families of color and lower-income families, who often aren't depicted in children's books. This beautiful book is a perfect Father's Day gift!" -- publisher

Dare to Dream Big

2020

by Lorna Gutierrez and Polly Noakes

"Oh the Places You’ll Go for toddlers. This inspirational, growth mindset picture book is full of messages about empowerment, encouragement, and the joy of daring to be the best person you can be. Dare to dream. Dare to fly higher. Dare to trust... dare to inspire! This simple yet inspirational picture book encourages children everywhere to dare to dream big, to help others, and speak out for what is right, but also to take time for simple joys and to be comfortable in their own skin. With charming rhymes and energetic and inclusive illustrations, this is a book to empower every child." -- publisher

David Jumps In

2020

by Alan Woo and Katty Maurey

"It is David's first day at his brand-new school. He doesn't know anyone. At recess, he stands alone and watches the other children enjoying their activities on the playground, from practicing soccer moves and climbing monkey bars to playing hopscotch and daydreaming in the grass. Bundled deep inside David's pocket is a string of rubber bands, knotted and ready for a game of elastic skip. But will anyone want to try that game? he wonders. Will anyone want to play with him? With simple, lyrical free verse, Alan Woo echoes the singsong of schoolyard games to draw readers into the deeper levels of this lovely and poignant picture book story. Exploring the themes of friendship, diversity, belonging and inclusion, the book also celebrates David's self-acceptance and comfort with his own unique identity. With roots in ancient China, David's jump-rope game --- called elastic skip in the story, but known by many different names --- is a symbol for multicultural connections, linking David and his new schoolmates through the sharing of his background." -- publisher

Don’t Feed the Coos!

2020

by Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox

"An unforgettable, hilarious new picture book about a girl who must escape a flock of insatiable pigeons, perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Mo Willems's Pigeon series. When you see a coo, you will be tempted to give it a treat. Coos are adorable, peaceful, kind of silly. But DON'T FEED THE COO! If you feed one, they will ALL come . . . So begins Don't the Feed the Coos, a cautionary tale from the duo who brought you Llama Destroys the World. With his signature wit, Jonathan details all of the awful things that will happen should you feed one of the birds. (For example, they will thank you in "coo poos.") And Heather brings the words to life with fun and flair in a slightly-different-but-equally-appealing style to her Llama. Get ready to laugh out loud at this delightful and delirious cautionary tale, be it at storytime or bedtime. These pigeons are persistent!" -- publisher

Down Under the Pier

2020

by Neil Cross Beckerman and Rachell Sumpter

"There’s lots of fun to be had up on the pier—the Ferris wheel, the rollercoaster, Skee-Ball and Whac-A-Mole, cotton candy, copper coins, the carousel. But it’s down under the pier, at low tide, where the real magic can be found. The best part? It’s free. Nell Beckerman’s poetic text and deep love of the intertidal zone, and Rachell Sumpter’s dreamy, “endless summer” art make this the perfect beach book." -- publisher

Earth Hour

2020

by Nanette Heffernan and Bao Luu

"Click flashlights, light lanterns, and get ready to turn electric lights out to celebrate Earth Hour! Wherever you come from, you can help our planet. Kids around the world use electric energy to do all kinds of things—adults do, too! From cleaning the clothes we play in, to lighting up our dinner tables, to keeping us warm and toasty when the weather is cold, electricity is a huge part of our lives. Unfortunately, it can also have a big impact on our planet. Earth Hour—a worldwide movement in support of energy conservation and sustainability—takes place each March and is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). During Earth Hour, individuals, communities, and businesses in more than 7,000 cities turn off nonessential electric lights for one hour. Across each continent—from the Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China to the Statue of Liberty—one small act reminds all of us of our enormous impact on planet Earth." -- publisher

Energy Makes Changes

2020

by Chocolate Tree and Ji-yeong Kim

"What enables athletes to run fast, leap high, and throw a hammer far? It is the power of energy. Discover this and more about the different forms of energy." -- publisher

Everyone’s Awake

2020

by Colin Meloy and Shawn Harris

"A silly and sublime bedtime book from the New York Times bestselling children's book author Colin Meloy. Giggle your way to sweet and silly dreams! A simple goodnight routine turns marvelously madcap in this cleverly rhymed picture book. Instead of settling down to sleep, Dad bakes bread, Mom fixes the roof, and Grandma plays cards with a ghost. And between the dog, the cat, Sister, and Brother, there's at least three different wars being waged! A modern classic perfect for read-aloud fun and bedtime alike." -- publisher

Exquisite

2020

by Suzanne Slade and Cozbi A. Cabrera

"A picture-book biography of celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize" -- publisher

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3534 books in the collection

Creek Critters

Dads

Dare to Dream Big

David Jumps In

Don’t Feed the Coos!

Down Under the Pier

Earth Hour

Energy Makes Changes

Everyone’s Awake

Exquisite