Children's Picture Books: Stories featuring Diverse Families

The Day Santa Stopped Believing In Harold

2020

"A hilarious send-up of every kid’s moment of Santa doubt. Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn’t think he’s real. He WANTS to believe in Harold—after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold’s letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer…what would Christmas be without that? But Santa’s just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold’s not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists…with hilarious consequences." -- publisher

The Little Blue Cottage

2020

by Kelly Jordan and Jessica Courtney-Tickle

"A timeless and universal tale that celebrates the bond created between a little girl and the special place she returns to year after year—and how their relationship changes as she grows up The little blue cottage waits each year for summer to arrive—and with it, the girl. Through sunny days and stormy weather, the cottage and the girl keep each other company and wile away the long days and nights together. Until one year, and then another, the cottage is left waiting and empty season after season. In this heartfelt story about change, Kelly Jordan’s lilting text and Jessica Courtney-Tickle's lush art captures the essence of cherishing a favorite place." -- publisher

The Noisy Classroom

2020

by Angela Shanté and Alison Hawkins

"A young girl is about to enter the third grade, but this year she’s put into Ms. Johnson’s noisy class. Everything about the noisy class is odd. While all the other classes are quiet, Ms. Johnson sings and the kids chatter all day. The door is always closed, yet sounds from it can be heard in the hallway. With summer coming to an end and school starting, the girl realizes that soon she’ll be going to the noisy class. What will school be like now? Featuring the honest and delightful humor of debut author Angela Shanté and the bold, graphic imagery of debut illustrator Alison Hawkins, The Noisy Classroom encourages those with first-day jitters to reevaluate a scary situation by looking at it from a different angle and to embrace how fun school can be, even in nontraditional ways." -- publisher

The Perfect Shelter

2020

by Clare Helen Welsh and Asa Gilland

A story about sisters. A story about love. A story about how it feels when someone close to you is diagnosed with a serious illness. A book to help name and explore the complicated feelings borne of heartbreaking situations.

To the Moon and Back for You

2020

by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant and EG Keller

"A perfect gift for Mother’s Day for any parent who has struggled on their journey to have a baby, Million Dollar Listing star Emilia Bechrakis Serhant’s debut picture book poignantly explores her own difficulty conceiving and her life-changing experiences with IVF. I swam through the deepest ocean. I climbed the tallest mountain. Finding you was a journey. And meeting you was my greatest joy. In this picture book, illustrated by the #1 New York Times bestselling artist of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, families of different shapes, colors, and sizes must cross deserts, navigate rough seasons, and climb mountains—all to find their miracle babies. Emilia’s story reminds us that, despite the challenges and complications often thrown our way, hope will always prevail. To the Moon and Back for You combines a timeless feel with a timely subject, and is poised to become a modern classic for years to come." -- publisher

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding

2020

by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto

"Chloe's favorite uncle is getting married, and she's not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend, Jamie, Chloe realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining one. Selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best picture books of 2020 and by the American Library Association as a 2021 Rainbow Book List title, celebrate family with this gorgeous picture book. When Chloe's favorite uncle announces that he's getting married, everyone is excited. Everyone except Chloe, that is. What if Uncle Bobby no longer has time for picnics, swimming, or flying kites? Chloe just wants to keep having fun with her favorite uncle, but she's afraid everything is going to change. Can Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend Jamie show Chloe that, when it comes to family, the more the merrier? In this inspiring, love-filled story, Chloe learns just what family means. Produced in coordination with GLAAD, this adorable picture book is a positive example of same-sex marriage and a celebration of family." -- publisher

V Is for Voting

2020

by Kate Farrell and Caitlin Kuhwald

"A vibrant, inspiring alphabet book that introduces the youngest of aspiring activists to the touchstones of civics. A is for active participation. B is for building a more equal nation. C is for citizens' rights and our duty... An engaging introduction to social justice and civil rights, V Is for Voting is the perfect gift for parents who want to start teaching their children the importance of voting and activism early. Perfect for fans of A Is for Activist and Woke Baby and just in time for primary season, V Is for Voting pairs Kate Farrell's playful rhyming text with Caitlin Kuhwald's bold art to make a gorgeous—and crucial—addition to every young reader's library." -- publisher" -- publisher

Ways to Welcome

2020

by Linda Ashman and Joey Chou

"A sweet, timely picture book about kindness and connection, perfect for fans of Be Kind and ideal for schools and classrooms. When everyone knows they're welcome, the world is a better place—and you might just make a new friend. This timeless picture book about small acts of kindness in a big world is one that kids and grown-ups will reach for again and again." -- publisher

Who’s your real mom?

2020

by Bernadette Green and Anna Zobel

"Elvi, which one is your mom?" "They're both my mom." "But which one's your real mom?" When Nicholas wants to know which of Elvi's two moms is her real mom, she gives him lots of clues. Her real mom is a circus performer, and a pirate, and she even teaches spiders the art of the web. But Nicholas still can't work it out. Luckily, Elvi knows just how to explain it to her friend.--Back cover

Wonderful You

2020

by Lisa Graff and Ramona Kaulitzki

"From award-winning author Lisa Graff comes a sweet and poignant picture book that celebrates the arrival of new babies! So begins this warm and loving picture book all about the joy of waiting for a new baby to be born. Month by month, parents and families of all sorts watch the baby-to-be grow, from a sweet pea to a mango and eventually to a pumpkin--until finally, the babies are born as their wonderful little selves. Perfect for any family expecting a new bundle of joy, this book celebrates the anticipation and happiness that only a baby can bring." -- publisher