Children's Picture Books: Stories about Characters of Unknown Ethnicity

Bat count

2016

"Jojo is prepping for an exciting night; it's time for the bat count! Bats have always been a welcome presence during the summers in the family barn. But over the years, the numbers have dwindled as many bats in the area caught white-nose syndrome. Jojo and her family count the bats and send the numbers to scientists who study bats, to see if the bat population can recover. On a summer evening, the family quietly makes their way to the lawn to watch the sky and count the visitors to their farm"--Dust jacket.

Bring me some apples and I’ll make you a pie

2016

by Robbin Gourley

From the whippoorwill's call on the first day of spring through the first snowfall, Edna and members of her family gather fruits, berries, and vegetables from the fields, garden, and orchard on their Virginia farm and turn them into wonderful meals. Includes facts about the life of Edna Lewis and a few of her recipes

Calling the water drum

2016

by LaTisha Redding and Aaron Boyd

"A young boy loses both parents as they attempt to flee Haiti for a better life, and afterward is only able to process his grief and communicate with the outside world through playing the drums. Includes author's note"-- |cProvided by publisher

Captain Freddy Counts Down to School

2016

by Elizabeth Shreeve and Joey Chou

"It’s Freddy’s first day of school, and he needs to get ready. But school is big, it’s far away, and it’s full of strangers. Luckily, Freddy remembers he has work to do—in space! When his mom reminds him to put on his shoes, he pulls on his moon boots instead and blasts off. Captain Freddy’s adventures in space may just make him ready for his big day back on Earth." -- publisher

Captain Jack and the pirates

2016

by Peter Bently and Helen Oxenbury

When brave mariners Jack, Zack and Caspar build a galleon then set off on an imaginary adventure at sea, they face pirates, a storm, and a shipwreck.

Cherry Red Kisses

2016

by An Swerts and Jenny Bakker

"A moving fairy tale with touching illustrations about coping with loss and grief. For children ages 5 and up. When Queen Soraya dies, her husband and son are heartbroken. Prince Floris misses his mother… and his father. It’s like I don’t exist, Floris thinks. King Leon doesn’t know how to handle his grief. Every kiss reminds him of his wife’s cherry red lips. He has a magician put a curse on the kingdom’s inhabitants so no one can use their lips to kiss. But that doesn’t help him feel any better, and the people in his country get more and more angry. Can Floris find a solution? A moving fairy tale with touching illustrations about coping with loss and grief. For children ages 5 and up. With an afterword by Manu Keirse, professor and grief expert." -- publisher

Chicken soup, chicken soup

2016

by Pamela Mayer and Deborah Melmon

"Two grandmas. Two delicious recipes. Sophie loves Bubbe's Jewish chicken soup, made with kreplach. She also loves Nai Nai's Chinese chicken soup, with wonton. But don't tell Bubbe and Nai Nai that their soups are the same!"-- Provided by publisher

Chik chak Shabbat

2016

by Mara Rockliff and Kyrstern Brooker

Every Saturday in the apartment building, Goldie Simcha welcomes everyone in for her famous cholent and Shabbat meal. What happens when Goldie is feeling too sick on Friday to cook?

City shapes

2016

by Diana Murray and Bryan Collier

"A young girl walks through the bustling city, while a pigeon flies above, both spotting hidden shapes at every turn"--Provided by publisher

Daniel finds a poem

2016

by Micha Archer

A little boy's animal friends help him discover the poetry to be found in nature.