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Read Your World / Multicultural Booklist  / 12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents & 3 Book Giveaway!
12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents & 3 Book Giveaway!

12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents & 3 Book Giveaway!

Please welcome Gaia Cornwall with her list of 12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents.

We are also giving away 3 copies of her book, Jabari Jumps. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the post.

#ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2018, Eight Picture Books with Diverse Family Constellations

12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents

A list of books for young readers who feature diverse families with supportive parents.

1. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared to jump off the diving board at all! Right?  Set at the city pool, with the steady support of his dad, a young boy explores fear and bravery. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

2. Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Gonzales’ tender and lyrical writing paired with Amini’s magical illustrations makes for one gorgeous book that explores identity. A beautiful “mirror book” for Muslim, or Latin American families, as well as a beautiful “window book”/ introduction to the Muslim faith and indigenous Latin American culture. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

3. Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaître

This sweet story speaks to the anxiety young children (and grown ups!) might have in our current political climate, or about the larger world in general. Biracial parents lovingly lead their struggling child by their kind example. A comforting story that will empower young readers. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

4. Around the World in a Bathtub by Wade Bradford, illustrated by‎ Micha Archer

A gorgeous book about bath time around the world. Featuring caring mothers, fathers and grandparents from Alaska, to Japan, Turkey, India– wrestling children into the tub. The refrain “No, no!” and “Yes, yes!” is repeated in different languages. The story is one every family can relate to and the recognition will have kiddos giggling, while they learn about other cultures. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

5. It’s Great Being A Dad by Dan Bar-el, illustrated by Gina Perry

Spoiler Alert!: You won’t know it until the end, but all the mythical creatures getting into trouble are really a group of kids playing with their dad. Full of fun, I love that the dad is fully participating in the make- believe play. A delightfully, silly read-aloud. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

6. Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

A sweet story about young Black American Muslim girl delighting in imaginary play with her quietly smiling mother’s head scarves. Ebony Glenn’s beautiful illustrations are reminiscent of the classic Disney style which will delight any princess readers. Available now for pre-order. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

7. Starring Carmen by Anika Denise, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

Any young performer will love and relate to this fun read aloud! The text is sprinkled with Spanish and Alvarez’s illustrations are colorful, funny and full of life. As the story focuses primarily on the relationship between Carmen and her little brother, her parents, admittedly, are the extras in this production. But I appreciate how the biracial couple’s own story, and their tight family unit, are quietly told through the illustrations. Many parents will relate to their calm and supportive presence amidst the whirlwind energy of a precocious child. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

8. Charlie and Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Emily Hughes

A young reader about an biracial family of two brothers and their mother (who is white,) and father (who is Asian.) The parents provide a steadfast unit throughout, but Charlie and Mouse are lucky enough to live a community full of supportive adults of all ages, and colors. The tone is witty and dry which will appeal to adults, while their hilarious antics will have kids giggling. [easy reader, ages 4 and up]

9. Bat Count: A Citizen Science Story byAnna Forrester (author), Susan Detwiler (Illustrator)

Jojo’s family has always welcomed the bats each summer to their farm. But lately the bat numbers have been dwindling. Can her family help the scientists count the bats? In this warm story, scientific facts are woven throughout, along with more information in the back. Young readers can follow Jojo’s family’s lead and become Citizen Scientists themselves! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

10. A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui

In this powerful story about identity, and poverty, a refugee Vietnamese father takes his son fishing. The struggles of building a life in a new country are quietly woven throughout the story, while the love between the two and their family is obvious. The serious issues and illustration style best cater to an older picture book audience, though young readers will appreciate the tender moments between father and son. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

11. The Ring Bearer by Floyd Cooper

This warm tale about a nervous ring bearer is set against the backdrop of a blended family. Jackson has a supportive grandfather and loving mother, but its also clear from the get-go he and his soon-to-be step-dad have an established and loving relationship. A lovely story to read any time, but will be particularly encouraging for kids feeling nervous about trying something new. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

12. Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Maria Mola

When Casey wants to wear a sparkly skirt, his mom not only says thats fine with her, but finds him one to wear. This charming story about following your heart, gender identity and being kind, set in a Latinx family, will appeal to all kids who grapple with feeling different from their peers. Other kids will identify with the older sister who at first struggles to be accepting of her younger brother, but then surrounded by supportive adults, comes around. Sparkles for everyone! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

 

3 Book Giveaway of Jabari Jumps!

We are giving away 3 copies of Jabari Jumps. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. and AFO mailing addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gaia Cornwall

Gaia Cornwall is an illustrator who loves making patterns for surface design, illustrating for children, & writing picture books.

To learn more, check out her website, Facebook and Twitter.

12 Diverse Picture Books Featuring Supportive Parents & 3 Book Giveaway!

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15 Comments

  • John Smith

    January 4, 2018 8:38 pm

    “What are your favorite diverse picture books about food?” I just today read “How the Queen Found the Perfect Cup of Tea.”

  • Beth T.

    January 5, 2018 9:11 am

    I can’t think of a diverse picture book about food! Although I have a vague memory, tickling at the back of my mind, of something my mom used to read to me. I’ll have to dig out the old books and see what it was. Until I find it, I’ll see what you recommend. I’m sure there are many more choices now, just as I make more interesting food choices now than we did when I was young.

  • Alyssa Annico

    January 6, 2018 6:52 am

    I love Core Cooks Pancit!

  • Livivua Chandler

    January 6, 2018 8:16 am

    Spaghetti in a hot dog bun

  • Saba

    January 6, 2018 9:57 am

    Shoot! I can’t remember the name of it, but I had a cute book in my toddler classroom a few years back (it has since been “loved” by tiny hands and teeth) that featured African American family coming together for some soul food.

  • Melanie Tioleco-Cheng

    January 6, 2018 10:46 am

    I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis
    I love this list of SUPPORTIVE parents in books–what a great idea!
    -Melanie

  • Kristi Bernard

    January 6, 2018 12:34 pm

    I love this site and what you do for kids and books!

    • Valarie Budayr

      January 7, 2018 11:25 am

      THANK YOU Kristi! We appreciate all that you do as well 🙂

      • Kristi Bernard

        January 7, 2018 12:59 pm

        I’m looking forward to this year’s event!

  • Alise

    January 7, 2018 8:42 am

    The ugly dumpling 🥟

    • Valarie Budayr

      January 7, 2018 11:24 am

      Is that the one published by Mighy Media?

  • danielle hammelef

    January 10, 2018 2:36 pm

    I haven’t read any diverse picture books about food. Interesting subject though.

  • Haley C

    January 12, 2018 6:51 pm

    I honestly haven’t read any diverse picture books about food. Now I’m curious though! I’ll have to look into them 🙂

  • Tara Chappell

    January 27, 2018 11:23 pm

    Dim Sum for Everyone!

  • Carrie @ Crafty Moms Share

    January 31, 2018 10:39 am

    Such an amazing group of books!! Thank you for sharing them and for all your hard work organizing MCBD!!

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