Mixed race kids books

[BedknobsNoBroomsticks]

We are a mixed race family. My 1 year old loves reading but I am struggling to find books that represent them and our family. We use the local library a lot and the books all seem to only feature white families.

Can anyone recommend any books that feature mixed race families or even just black families?

I am mixed race and I have the same difficulty with finding toys for my daughter, i’m trying to find a Noah’s Ark with a mixed race or black Noah, that seems like an impossible task!

I have so far found a couple of nice books based on Bob Marley’s songs which might be of interest to you. The pictures all feature people of colour.
One is called ‘One love’ and the other is ‘Every Little Thing’ by Chronicle Books. I bought them from Amazon.

Have a look at this list and see what you think:

www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/blog/collections/diverse-voices-childrens-books-that-celebrate-difference-6090

Do you have Instagram OP? If not Google Diverse kids books.

It's fab they have a great range and it's cheaper than Amazon.

We love the ‘Luna loves’ books
The illustrator has mixed race children of her own and I find her representation very real

I struggled to find the same for my boys when they were younger, very little out there that wasn't just the token Indian family in the background, never mind a mixed race family that were a proper part of the story!

I hope you find something.

Do you use Instagram? Lots of amazing recommendations here.

https://instagram.com/booksthattinspireyounggminds?utmmedium=copyy_link

Thank you so much for these recommendations.

Yes I do have Instagram.

These are a mixture of black and mixed races stories I can think of for little ones although may be better for older toddlers?

Over and under the pond
Billy and the beast
Billy and the dragon
Look up
Tidy Up
Dave and the tooth fairy
Do not take your dragon to the library
Albert Talbot Master of Disguise
Snowy Day
The little leaders Mohamed Ali

If you look online for old second hand books there are a pair of books, "Happy Christmas Gemma" and "Eat up Gemma" featuring solely a black family. My (white) kids LOVE those books I can't fathom why they are out of print.

Also my kids liked the Handa stories which feature a black girl Handa & her friend Akeyo.

Hi Jabari jumps by Gaia Cornwell looks fab but I haven't fully checked it out yet

imaginemestories.com/

Unfortunately I dont think you will get a Noah's ark with darker skin .if we are being true to the story they were Israely light skinned .so I assume it just stays true to that .

There are lots. In my experience most modern stories are very inclusive without specifically targeting at BAME audience.

For the age of your child, most stories we read had animals as the protagonists but here are a few to check out now and for when they are older.

1. Leo Can Swim
2. Blocks
3. My Two Grannies
4. Your Not a Proper Pirate Sydney Green
5. Clean-Up / Look-Up

6.Misha Makes a Friend (this is a series that includes Ravi's Roar, Ruby's Worry etc)

1. The Orchestra books (its a series of different books with famous orchestra pieces that play) www.amazon.co.uk/Story-Orchestra-Swan-Lake/dp/0711241503/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&crid=39UL3EHLKLUMV&keywords=orchestra+book+children&sprefix=orchestra%2Caps%2C170&srpt=ABIS_BOOK&qsid=258-8852156-1788720&sres=1409597660%2C1786030683%2C0711249520%2C1847808778%2C0762495472%2C0711241503%2C1409551636%2C0711260133%2C1786030934%2C1843797704%2C1474982158%2C147499069X%2C0152002227%2C0761176470%2C1999753054%2C1912497867&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1633610208&sr=8-6

@SouthLondonMommy. The orchestra books look great, thanks so much for the link.

Pugicorn and pugicorn at Christmas.

I have read some of the Luna Loves books with my class of 5 years olds at school , as well as the 2 Grannies one. We read 'My 2 Grandads' by Floella Benjamin today and they really enjoyed it.

I also really rate the Tony Bradman books - 'In a Minute' , 'Wait and See' and 'Through My Window'. They are really multi cultural and don't stick to gender norms either - in Through My Window the girl is staying at home sick with her dad while her mum goes to work.

www.lankakade.co.uk/small-rainbow-noahs-ark/p37

Out of stock now but back in soon. The larger size is in stock but has a higher minimum recommended age.

It bothers me that the extra animals come in singles rather than pairs

I have bought these for my toddler. They are so bloody expensive as they come from the States.
Snowy Day
Please Baby Please
Goodnight Baby

Thanks @monkeycat. I was just doing a search on the internet for your recommendations. "My 2 Grandads" That will be one for us! It will go down really well I think with our Grandads!
The Tony Bradman books are fab too. Lots more choice this year!

Just looking at what else came up from looking at your recommendations, and this one is great, I've not heard of it. All about Hair! (Black Hair that is!) And a father /daughter link which is good, as it's my SIL who gets the DGC ready for school each morning.
HAIR clicky link

The Dinosaur Department Store - good rhyming story, lots of dinosaurs (obviously) and nicely illustrated.

The Dinosaur Department Store https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1780555962/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcGWG94E53Z3GVCFRVK97G

I found this lovely one at a book fair. It's also on Amazon. It has a mixed race family and is sort of about hair.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Rage-Charmaine-Bill/dp/1528907574/ref=ascdff_1528907574/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=535857053901&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14978025062630536551&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046005&hvtargid=pla-1401600876857&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Letterbox Library has a great range of books. Many imports from the US so some spelling and cultural issues but best selection I found.

Second Letterbox Library, they are incredible. Ben’s Birthday and Snowflakes both have mixed race families.