Books for teaching small children about racism

[whowrotethebookoflove]

In light of what has been happening recently I thought I would try and add to my sons book shelf a few ‘anti racist’ books or books that can bring up some discussion. He’s nearly 4 and while we do have books like ‘everyone is unique, we’re all different’ etc I think I would like to challenge the issue a bit more specifically.
My sons dad is half Indian so he is around his Indian family a lot, but I think In light of the black lives matter movement that’s what I want to focus on.
Does anyone have any recommendations?

Many thanks and I hope I haven’t caused offence to anyone x

I am in Minneapolis and have thought about the same thing. A friend sent me a listing of resources; let me dig them out for you.

The New Neighbours by Sarah McIntyre is a lovely picture book which deals well with stereotypes and fear of the unknown.
Rabbit and Bear: Attack of the Snack is slightly longer but still age appropriate and similarly shows characters having their prejudiced opinions challenged and having to reconsider.
Both are lovely and funny books in their own right, rather than just for this topic.

My 6 year old likes Little People Big Lives about Rosa Parks, she gets that it's not fair etc.
You might want to look up black families having "The Talk" and no it's not about the birds and the bees.
There are other Black history books for kids - my DD is a different ethnicity but I will have a look out.

www.embracerace.org/resources/26-childrens-books-to-support-conversations-on-race-racism-resistance

booksforlittles.com/racial-diversity/

These two links have lots of materials!

Thank you all.

I thought it was enough just not mentioning race that much and thinking that my boy would see me treating everyone the same. But after research it looks like they form racial bias at a young age and that actually it’s beneficial to discuss it.

I have googled for recommendations but it’s hard when you don’t really know what you’re looking for!

Thank you MinneapolisTransplant.

"My first Rosa parks" from the "little people, big dreams" series is good. Its short, but quite dense. Lots to discuss. I read it with my 3 year old but I think 4 or 5 would be about the right age for it.

Not a book but the disney film Zootropolis is excellent for discussing racial stereotypes and discrimination in general.

I would also recommend Mr Rogers Neighborhood but you will need to tell your DC things about society at the time.
For example he has an episode where he washes his feet with a Black cast member at the time that there was a court case about segregated swimming pools.

Thank you for all the recommendations, keep them coming 😂

I will definitely get the Rosa parks one and check out the links. And the shows.

Thank you. I signed a petition against the murderer of George floyd yesterday but it’s been so troubling me as to what else I can do. I’m trying to educate myself and figure educating my son is the next thing.

I’m in the UK but if anyone knows anything else I can do as part of anti racism then pls let me know. Such a hard thing to navigate