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

Over and Under the Canyon

by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal

"Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life." -- publisher

Park Rangers and What They Do

by Liesbet Slegers

"An enlightening informative book tailor-made for toddlers about the forester and everything she (or he) does. For nature lovers ages 4 and up. Today, we head out with the forester. Do any trees have to be cut down or planted? Are there any animals in the forest that weren’t there before? Is the forest clean or did someone dump trash? Is there a walk in the dark on the program? The forester keeps an eye on all of that and protects nature." -- publisher

Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams

by Howard Bryant and Floyd Cooper

"A 2019 ILA Teacher's Choices Reading List Selection! An inspiring picture book sports biography about two of the greatest female tennis players of all-time! Venus and Serena Williams: Best friends. Sisters. Champions. Everyone knows the names Venus & Serena Williams. They've become synonymous with championships, hard work, and with shaking up the tennis world. This inspirational true story, written by award-winning sports journalist, Howard Bryant, and brought to beautiful life by Coretta Scott Kind Award and Honor winner, Floyd Cooper, details the sisters' journey from a barely-there tennis court in Compton, CA, to Olympic gold medals and becoming the #1 ranked women in the sport of tennis. Here is a worthy ode to Venus and Serena Williams, the incredible sister duo who will go down in history as two of the greatest" -- publisher

Sunday rain

by Rosie J. Pova and Amariah Rauscher

"Elliott has just moved into a new house. He spends his days with his fictional friends, immersed in a book. When an inviting Sunday rain gathers the local kids to play in the puddles, Elliott longs to join in, but he's too shy to go outside. Soon, Elliott discovers that new friendships are like a new book—you just have to plunge into the adventure." -- published

The Big Five

by Bella Makatini and Judi Abbot

"A playful and informative story about wild animals and about the love between a child and a grandparent.For animal lovers ages 3 and up. Winner of the International Competition for the Best Inclusive Story - organized by Inclusive Works and Clavis Publishing. Danny is spending the week with his grandpa. Grandpa has a painting of five animals. “Those are the big five,” says Grandpa, “the most famous animals from my homeland,” Grandpa tells Danny about one animal each day. A playful and informative story about wild animals and about the love between a child and a grandparent. For animal lovers ages 3 and up." -- publisher

The Old Boat

by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

"The creators of The Old Truck set sail with an old boat and an evocative, intricately crafted exploration of home and family. Off a small island, an old boat sets sail and a young boy finds home. Together, boy and boat ride the shifting tides, catching wants and wishes until fate calls for a sea change. Brothers and collaborators Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey’s newest picture book is a masterfully crafted celebration of the natural world and tribute to the families we make and the homes that we nurture." -- publisher

Where’s Lenny?

by Ken. Wilson-Max

"Home time is never dull – there are chores to do and games to play! Mom and Dad search everywhere for Lenny in this hide-and-seek story." -- publisher

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet

by Tami Charles and Sharon Sordo

"For fans of Fresh Princess, Fancy Nancy, and Lola Dutch comes the first book in a charming picture book series about a spunky girl with big ideas and an even bigger heart. Meet Zuri Ray! She’s always willing to go the extra mile for family and friends, and is up for any challenge. At least, that was before her BFFD (best friend from diapers), Jessie, asked her to join a ballet camp. Now Zuri isn’t sure if she’s up for everything. Ballet calls for pointed toes, tight hair buns, and frilly tutus. And while Jessie can’t wait to chassé and plié on the dance floor, that doesn’t sound like Zuri at all! But she can’t let her friend down. Maybe classical ballet just needs a new spin . . ." -- publisher